Best Prac Vermiculture0201 PDF

Best Practice Guideline
to Managing On-site
Vermiculture Technologies
=
January 2002
Recycled Organics Unit
Building B11b
The University of New South Wales
UNSW Sydney NSW 2052
Australia
Internet: http://www.recycledorganics.com
Copyright  Recycled Organics Unit 2002.

First Published 2002.
The Recycled Organics Unit (ROU) has been

established as an independent technical unit at The
University of New South Wales to provide a NSW
centre for organic resource management, information,
research and development, development and training.
This document is and shall remain the property of

ROU, The University of New South Wales. The
information contained in this document is provided by
ROU in good faith but users should be aware that
ROU is not responsible or liable for its use or
application. The content is for information only. It
should not be considered as any advice, warranty, or
recommendation to any individual person or situation.
Authors: Amanda Ferris, Dr Mark Jackson and Angus

Campbell
National Library of Australia

Cataloguing-in-Publication entry:
Printed by Recycled Organics Unit, The University of

New South Wales.
Quality assurance : Document history

Revision number Revised by Date
1 AF 13/09/01
2 MJ 18/09/01
3 AC 08/11/01
4 AF 21/11/01
6 SSWB 10/12/01
7 Peer review (1) (Vermitech) 14/12/01
8 Peer review (2) (David Murphy) 03/12/01
9 Peer review (3) (AWGAVI) 12/12/01
FINAL AF/MJ 09/01/02
Preface to the Best Practice Guideline to Managing On-Site
Vermiculture Technologies Information Sheets
The Best Practice Guideline to Managing On-Site Vermiculture Technologies series of Information
Sheets have been produced to support the continuing development of the Recycled Organics industry in
New South Wales and to provide best practice guidelines for the on-site treatment of compostable
organic materials produced by the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector.
Treatment of compostable organics produced on-site by the C&I sector using vermiculture technology
represents a potentially viable way of managing these materials. The production of vermicast also
provides a product that may be used to maintain the landscaped environment.
The establishment and management of an on-site vermiculture unit can result in some uncertainties in
terms of the performance capabilities of such units and the management practices required to sustain
these capabilities. Failure can occur within vermiculture units due to a number of reasons that usually
relate to an absence of information and management within the organisation.
Efficient management and monitoring of vermiculture units is necessary to maintain an effective

processing system and to ensure adequate system performance without any adverse affects on the
environment.
To ensure a vermiculture unit is efficient and effective, it must be installed at an adequate scale to meet
the requirements of the organisation. The development of an on-site organics management system
should also result in realistic expectations as to the performance capabilities of the system. A level of
commitment from both management and staff is required to ensure operational success.
This guide to best practice management will support the appropriate and sustainable application of
on-site vermiculture technology in the C&I sector. Information has been provided that will inform the
vermiculture industry, the waste management industry and relevant C&I sector enterprises and
institutions on the capabilities, management requirements and appropriate application of on-site
vermiculture technology.
These Information Sheets have been developed to complement existing information resources and to
provide an easy-to-read account of how to establish and manage an on-site, mid-scale vermiculture unit
for the C&I sector. On-site, mid scale organics management systems are capable of processing between
20 and 250 kg of compostable organics per day. The guide gives practical information as to the
development of such a system including feedstock preparation, monitoring and maintenance procedures
and use of the vermicast end product.
Amanda Ferris, Mark Jackson and Angus Campbell
The University of New South Wales.
Sydney, January 2002.
The ROU is the NSW centre for organic resource management,

information, research & development, demonstration and training
1. Information Sheets in “Best Practice Guideline to Managing On-Site Vermiculture
Technology”
This package contains a collection of seven Information Sheets and four Appendices:
Introduction to establishing and managing an on-site vermiculture

• Information Sheet No. 1:
unit.
• Information Sheet No. 2: How much compostable material is produced?
• Information Sheet No. 3: Can vermiculture work for you?
Guide to feedstock preparation and determining what size

• Information Sheet No. 4:
vermiculture unit is required.
• Information Sheet No. 5: Guide to installing a vermiculture unit.
• Information Sheet No. 6: Management and maintenance of a vermiculture unit.
• Information Sheet No. 7: Guide to using the vermicast product.
• Appendix No. 1: Ancillary equipment requirements.
• Appendix No. 2: Vermicast product standard.
• Appendix No. 3: Signage.
Research Case Studies – Vermiculture processing of compostable

• Appendix No. 4: organics.

2. Who should read the Information Sheets?
The package of Information Sheets has been developed to meet the needs of the developing
vermiculture industry. It is suitable for stakeholders in the RO sector who wish to gain a better
knowledge of the vermiculture industry, key points for establishing an on-site vermiculture unit,
industry best practices, and product standards that significantly influence product quality.
More specifically, the package of Information Sheets have been developed for:
• commercial and industrial sector organisations;
• vermiculture industry consultants;
• commercial and industrial sector consultants;
• waste educators;
• waste managers;
• prospective RO processors; and
• local council waste management officers.
3. Terminology
Terms used throughout this package of Information Sheets have been officially adopted by the NSW
Waste Boards in July 2000 in the form of the RO Dictionary and Thesaurus: Standard terminology for
the New South Wales recycled organics industry, produced by the Recycled Organics Unit. This
document is freely downloadable from http://www.rolibrary.com
4. How to cite this publication

This publication consists of a series of Information Sheets that are compiled into a set. When citing
information from this publication, the set of Information Sheets must be cited (not individual
Information Sheets), as shown below:
Recycled Organics Unit (2002) Best Practice Guideline to Managing On-Site Vermiculture
Technologies. Printed by the Recycled Organics Unit, The University of New South Wales, Sydney,
Australia.
5. Acknowledgements
The authors would like to extend a special thank you to all members of the peer review committee who
have invested their valuable time in reading and providing feedback on this package of Information
Sheets. The following reviewers are graciously thanked for their contributions:
§ Mr. Karsten Eisenaecher, Quality Assurance Manager and Process Control Coordinator, Vermitech
Pty. Ltd.
§ Mr. Mike Daniels, President, Australian Worm Growers Association Vermiculture Inc.
§ Mr. David Murphy, Author (Earthworms in Australia: A blueprint for a better environment).

Information Sheet No. 1
Introduction to installing and managing an
on-site vermiculture unit
=
Information Sheet No. 1 What is vermiculture? vermiculture for on-site treatment of

January 2002 compostable organics.
Vermiculture involves the
stabilisation of compostable organics The implementation of vermiculture
Inside This Sheet under controlled conditions by technology requires careful planning
particular worm species. and management to ensure it will be
1 What is vermiculture? Compostable organic materials, such

as residual food organics and garden
able to continually process organic
materials with minimal impact on the
surrounding environment.
2 What is an organics
management system?
organics, are loaded into the
vermiculture unit where they are
‘eaten’ by the worm population.
3 Components of a
vermiculture unit Worms convert the fresh materials
into vermicast, a brown soil-like
Worms convert
compostable
organic
Basic science of materials into a
material that is produced after valuable end
vermiculture product –
organic materials have passed
vermicast!
through the digestive system of a
Definitions worm. Vermicast is high in nutrients
and can be used as a valuable soil
conditioner.
4 Types of vermiculture units
A limited range of enterprise types in
This series of information sheets
details best practice requirements for
implementing and managing such
the commercial and industrial (C&I)
technology.
5 Materials that can be
processed
sector have the potential to utilise
6 Materials that cannot be Plate 1. Components of an organics management system for processing
processed compostable organic materials in a vermiculture unit.
7 Management of
vermiculture units
Overview of best practice
guidelines for on-site
vermiculture technology
8 Notes
Important references
Acknowledgement
 Recycled Organics Unit
ISBN 1-876850-04-3

What is an organics An organics management system for mixing the material, establishing
management system? the processing of compostable management and monitoring
organic material in a vermiculture procedures for the vermiculture unit,
An organics management system is
system is shown in Figure 1. This and the harvesting of completed
the system that involves the
system is detailed throughout this vermicast all require careful planning
processing of a compostable organic
series of Information Sheets and is to ensure a successful and efficient
material into an end product.
applicable to on-site, mid-scale system is in place.
An organics management system vermiculture processing by the C&I
sector. This Best Practice Guideline will
involves people, machinery,
detail the required steps for
infrastructure, utilities and
Establishing an organics implementing a successful organics
coordination. A variety of different
management system for vermiculture management system for vermiculture
technologies for organics processing
processing is a complicated process processing.
exist. Two common types of organic
and involves much more than simply
processing technologies include The relevant Information Sheets for
applying compostable material to a
vermiculture and composting to each step within this system are
vermiculture unit.
produce an end product of vermicast given in Figure 1.
or compost. The receival of the organic material,
the development of a recipe for
Figure 1. An organics management system for processing compostable organic materials in an on-site, mid-scale vermiculture
unit. A reference guide to relevant information sheets in this Best Practice Guideline is also shown.
Source separate Information Sheet No. 2 – How much compostable material is produced?
collection system § Establishing a source separated collection system.
Organic feedstock Information Sheet No. 2 – How much compostable material is produced?
materials § Audit of organics material produces on site.
Information Sheet No. 3 – Can vermiculture work for you?

Receival
§ Types of organics material that can be processed in a vermiculture
unit.
Preparing the Information Sheet No. 4 – Guide to feedstock preparation and determining
vermiculture recipe what size vermiculture unit is required.
§ Feedstock recipes, the importance of a bulking agent and mixing a
suitable feedstock.
Vermiculture Information Sheet No. 5 – Guide to installing a vermiculture unit.

processing § Site selection
§ Environmental and health considerations.
Maintenance and Information Sheet No. 6 – Management and maintenance of a

monitoring of units vermiculture unit.
§ Indicators of system stress
§ Monitoring and management procedures
Harvesting of Information Sheet No. 6 – Management and maintenance of a

vermicast vermiculture unit.
§ Harvesting and curing vermicast.
Information Sheet No. 7 – Guide to using the vermicast product.

Storage Use on-site § Uses, benefits and risks.
Appendix No. 2 – Vermicast product standard.
§ Compliance with AS 4454 (1999).
2 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Components of a Basic science of
vermiculture unit vermiculture
Definitions*
A vermiculture unit consists of four Processing of compostable organic Vermiculture
main components: materials via vermiculture is an System of stabilising organic materials under
aerobic (high oxygen) process controlled conditions by specific worm species
1. Container – houses the bedding performed by worms and and microorganisms under mesophilic
and worm population so they can temperatures. Commercial vermiculture
microorganisms. The basic science of
consume organic materials systems include: windrows or beds; stackable
this process can be seen in Figure 3.
trays; batch-flow containers; and continuous
loaded into the unit. The
flow containers.
container also excludes pests and When organic materials are loaded
protects worms from both the into a vermiculture unit, bacteria,
Compostable organics
elements and predators. fungi and other microorganisms start Compostable organics is a generic term for all
to decompose or ‘eat’ them. organic materials that are appropriate for
2. Worm population – necessary to
collection and use as feedstocks for
convert the compostable organic The worm population works with composting or in related biological treatment
materials into vermicast that can these microscopic organisms. Worms systems (e.g. anaerobic digestion).
be used as a soil conditioner. scavenge and eat the decomposing Compostable organics is defined by its
products (such as sugars, proteins material components: residual food organics;
3. Bedding – a deep layer of and simple carbohydrates) released garden organics; wood and timber; biosolids,
mature vermicast is by the microorganisms and even eat and agricultural organics.
recommended as a medium for the microorganisms as well!
worms to live in. A greater mass Food organics
of bedding reduces the variation Consequently, a well managed The Food Organics material description is
in bedding temperature and vermiculture unit involves the defined by its component materials, which
moisture. maintenance of conditions that are include: fruit and vegetable material; meat and
ideal for the survival and growth of poultry; fats and oils, seafood (including
4. Source of food and moisture for microorganisms and worms. shellfish, excluding oyster shells); recalcitrants
the worms – this is applied to the (large bones >15mm diameter, oyster shells,
surface of the bedding. coconut shells etc.); dairy (solid and liquid);
Look after us bread, pastries and flours (including rice and
and we will
The external and internal components corn flours); food soiled paper products (hand
look after your
of a vertical loading, continuous flow compostable towels, butter wrap etc.); and biodegradeables
organics! (cutlery, bags, polymers). Such materials may
vermiculture unit are shown in
be derived from domestic or commercial and
Figure 2.
industrial sources. The definition does not
include grease trap waste. Food organics is one
of the primary components of the compostable
organics stream.
Figure 2. Components of a vertical loading vermiculture unit and an internal view.
Garden organics
Unit lid The Garden Organics material description is
defined by its component materials including:
Air vents – allows air to flow into unit
putrescible garden organics (grass clippings);
non-woody garden organics; woody garden
Raised container – houses all worms, feedstock and bedding
organics; trees and limbs; stumps and
Metal base – allows vermicast to be harvested from base rootballs. Such materials may be derived from
domestic, Construction and Demolition and
Collection tray – collects harvested vermicast and leachate Commercial and Industrial sources. Garden
Organics is one of the primary components of
the compostable organics stream.
Vermicast
Surface applied organic material Solid organic material resulting from the
biological transformation of compostable
Worm population in bedding
organic materials in a controlled vermiculture
process.
Maturing vermicast bedding
Finished vermicast and leachate Continued page 4
3 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Continued from page 3
Ideal environmental conditions § Tray or stacking units;
include:
§ Batching or box units; and Soil conditioner
Any composted or pasteurised organic
§ air – at least 10% oxygen (O2)
present in the bedding where the § Windrow systems. material that is suitable for adding to soils.
This term also includes ‘soil amendment’,
worms are actively feeding
Details of these types of vermiculture ‘soil additive’, ‘soil improver’ and similar
(there is 21% O2 in normal air); terms, but excludes polymers which do not
units are given below.
biodegrade, such as plastics, rubber and
§ moisture – moisture content of
Continuous flow units coatings. Soil conditioners may be either
the bedding material should be ‘composted soil conditioners’ or ‘pasteurised
between 60 and 90%; Continuous flow vermiculture units soil conditioners’. Soil conditioner has not
consist of a raised container with a more than 15% by mass of particles with a
§ warmth – ideal bedding maximum size above 15 mm.
mesh floor and a breaker bar that
temperatures are between 20 and
slides across the mesh floor to agitate
25oC but worms will survive Best practice
and allow harvesting of the
between 5 and 35oC; For any area of waste management, this
vermicast. Feed is applied to the top
represents the current 'state-of-the-art' in
§ food – such as fruit, vegetables, surface of the bedding and finished
achieving particular goals. Best Practice is
mixed food organics, paper, vermicast is harvested from the base, dynamic and subject to continual review and
cardboard etc.; allowing the continuous processing improvement.
of compostable organic materials.
§ absence of pests – insect larvae Composting
compete with the worm Continuous flow units vary in terms The process whereby organic materials are
population and pose a public of engineering complexity from low pasteurised and microbially transferred under
health hazard; and technology units with manual feeding aerobic and thermophilic conditions for a
and harvesting methods, to complex period of not less than six weeks. By
§ protection from predators and technology units that comprise a definition, it is a process that must by carried
environmental extremes. fully automated and hydraulically out under controlled conditions yielding
driven continuous reactor. mature products that do not contain any weed
Types of vermiculture units seeds or pathogens.
Continuous flow technology is the
A number of different types of Compost
most efficient type of on-site, mid-
vermiculture units are available for An organic product that has undergone
scale vermiculture unit and the least
on-site processing of compostable controlled aerobic and thermophilic biological
labour intensive. Plate 2 details some
organic material. These include: transformation to achieve pasteurisation and a
commercially available continuous
specified level of maturity. Compost is
§ Continuous flow units; flow units.
suitable for the use as soil conditioner or
mulch and can improve soil structure, water
retention, aeration, erosion control, and other
soil properties.
Figure 3. Process diagram for a vermiculture unit (adapted from Recycled Organics
Unit, 2001). On-site, mid-scale
A category of on-site composting or
Raw materials Process Product vermiculture-based technology with the ability
to process between 20 and 250 kg of
O2 compostable organics per day. Such systems
Compostable heat CO2 are usually comprised of an in-vessel
organic material –
including carbon, processing unit (composting or vermiculture-
chemical energy, based) and size reduction equipment (eg.
protein and nitrogen garden type petrol driven chippers or
Mineral nutrients- Finished vermicast shredders). Procedures involved in the
including nitrogen containing organic management of the processing system may
and other matter –
including carbon, involve a combination of manual labour and
elements
chemical energy, small mechanical equipment. Mid-scale
Water nitrogen, protein, systems are often used for the treatment of
Vermiculture unit
humus, mineral
compostable organics produced by the
Worms nutrients, water and
microorganisms commercial and industrial sector, hospitals
Microorganisms and institutions etc.
Continued page 5
leachate
4 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tray or stacking units are widely used in household
applications. Continued from page 4
Tray or stacking units consist of a
number of stacked trays with bedding Windrow Systems Aerobic
and worms placed in the trays. Feed In the presence of, or requiring oxygen.
is applied to the top surface of the Windrow systems are a traditional,
bedding and when the tray is full, the low technology method for large- Bulking agent
scale vermiculture activities. They An ingredient in a mixture of composting raw
vermicast is left to mature before the
consist of long beds placed directly materials included to improve the structure
entire batch (tray) is dug out
and porosity of the mix. Bulking agents are
manually. on the ground with compostable
usually rigid and dry and often have large
organic material being applied to the
particles (for example, straw or wood chips).
Tray or stacking units can be surface and sometimes covered to
The terms “bulking agent” and “amendment”
relatively labour intensive at time of reduce the incidence of pests. are often used interchangeably. See also
harvesting when each tray of mature composting amendment.
vermicast needs to be removed from Windrow systems are relatively
the unit. inefficient as nutrients are lost Carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio
through volatilisation and leaching The ratio of the weight of organic carbon (C)
Tray or stacking units are used for and they require large areas of land. to that of total nitrogen (N) in an organic
mid-scale vermiculture processing, These systems also process organic material.
however, these units are not as materials relatively slowly taking
widely used as continuous flow units. between 6 and 18 months to Feedstock
complete processing (Edwards, Organic materials used for composting or
Batching or box units 1995). related biological treatment systems. Different
feedstocks have different nutrient
Batching or box units are a simple Windrow systems are most suitable concentrations, moisture, structure and
and relatively popular design for to agricultural enterprises where contamination levels (physical, chemical and
small-scale (domestic) vermiculture large areas of land are available. biological).
applications. This type of unit
consists of a container that houses Materials that can be Anaerobic
In the absence of oxygen, or not requiring
all bedding, worms and vermicast processed
oxygen.
with feed applied to the top surface.
A range of compostable organic
The challenge is separating worms
materials can be processed in
from vermicast to enable harvesting
vermiculture units, however some
of the vermicast product.
form of pre-processing may be
Batching or box vermiculture units required. Pre-processing usually
can be relatively labour intensive at involves:
time of harvesting and hence are not
§ size reduction – to increase the
as popular for mid-scale *Recycled Organics Unit, (2001b).
surface area for microorganisms
applications.
to attack;
Batching or box units are cheap, and
Plate 2. Commercially available continuous flow vermiculture units.
Vermi-Converter 2000 – Vital Earth

Company Worm Wigwam – EPM Inc. Eliminator 1200 – Pad Engineering
5 . . . . . . . . . . . .
§ mixing – to achieve a suitable § mixed food organics (mixed fruit vermiculture unit as shredded paper
structure, moisture content and and vegetables, breads, meat/ or cardboard. These high carbon
nutrient balance; and poultry); and materials are called bulking agents
and are common packaging wastes in
§ addition of a bulking agent – to § mixed garden organics (lawn the C&I sector.
improve structure, increase clippings, non-woody plant
surface area and to absorb excess materials such as stems, leaves The addition of a bulking agent, such
moisture. and twigs of various plant as paper or cardboard (Plate 3), not
species). only increases the C:N ratio but
improves the structure and porosity
Bulking agents The addition of a bulking agent, such
like shredded
of the material. A bulking agent will
paper or as paper or cardboard, is very also absorb excess moisture and
cardboard are important when preparing result in a less dense material. All
needed to
balance some
compostable organic materials for these factors produce a material that
types of food so processing in a vermiculture unit. is more readily processed by the
I can process Cardboard or paper are carbonaceous
them! worm population.
materials that absorb excess
moisture, increase the porosity and The amendment of compostable
structure of the material and increase organic materials with a bulking
Earthworms more readily process a the carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio. agent to increase the C:N ratio may
mixture of compostable organic result in the material becoming too
materials rather than monostreams of The C:N ratio is the ratio of the dry. Worms need a moist
specific waste types, for example, weight of organic carbon to total environment, as previously
just bakery waste (Recycled Organics nitrogen within the material. Some discussed, and so the material that
Unit, 2000). organic materials, such as meat and they consume needs to be moist but
poultry, are rich in nitrogen. If these not too wet.
Common compostable organic nitrogen-rich organic materials are
materials produced by the C&I sector processed in a vermiculture unit, The final mixture of organic material
that are readily processed by carbon needs to be added to achieve amended with a bulking agent and
vermiculture units include: a C:N ratio of 20 to 25 parts carbon water (if necessary) is called
to every one part nitrogen (C:N ratio feedstock. Feedstock is the result of
§ mixed fruit; of 20-25:1). blending the different components to
produce a suitable source of food for
§ mixed vegetables; Carbon can be added to a the worm population.
These factors are important for

Plate 3. Shredded cardboard is a common source of bulking agent produced by the acceptance of the feedstock by the
C&I sector.
worm population. A number of
feedstock recipes and the process of
mixing a suitable feedstock will be
covered in Information Sheet No. 4.
Materials that cannot be

processed
Some compostable organic materials
cannot be processed in a
vermiculture unit.
Materials that are very high in

nutrients, such as seafood and dairy
products, are not recommended for
vermiculture processing in any
significant proportion. These
materials can cause problems such as
anaerobic (low oxygen) conditions
that result in worm death.
6 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Microorganisms break down these Management of Overview of best practice
high nutrient materials very quickly vermiculture units guidelines for on-site
resulting in rapid oxygen vermiculture technology
Vermiculture units can be used to
consumption. This can lead to health
process a limited range of The Best Practice Guideline to
and safety issues such as odour
compostable organic materials into a Managing On-Site Vermiculture
production and the attraction of pests
useful end product called vermicast. Technology series of information
and vermin.
sheets provides an excellent
However, effective vermiculture introduction to the science of
More information on materials that
processing requires significant vermiculture and the best practice
can and cannot be processed in
management of the unit to ensure procedures for establishing and
vermiculture units can be found in
reliable performance and to prevent maintaining a successful
Information Sheet No. 3.
health and environmental issues from vermiculture unit.
developing.
The process of achieving a successful
Effective best practice management vermiculture organics management
Vermiculture
units require of vermiculture units requires a system based on these best practice
effective dedicated approach to feedstock guidelines is illustrated in Figure 4.
management. preparation, monitoring regimes and
site hygiene.
Figure 4. Overview of the Best Practice Guideline to Managing On-Site Vermiculture Technology Information Sheets.
I don’t process
any compostable
organic
materials
Introduction to installing and produced by my
Information
managing an on-site organisation.
Sheet No. 1
vermiculture unit.
Information How much compostable

Sheet No. 2 material is produced?
Information Can vermiculture work for

Sheet No. 3 you?
Guide to feedstock preparation

Information
and determining what size
Sheet No. 4
vermiculture unit is required.
Information Guide to installing a

Sheet No. 5 vermiculture unit.
Information Management and maintenance

Sheet No. 6 of a vermiculture unit.
All my
compostable
organics are
recycled in a Information Guide to using the vermicast
vermiculture Sheet No. 7 product.
unit!
7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes:
Important references Produced by

§ Edwards, C.A. (1995). Historical overview of composting. BioCycle, 36(6): 56-58. Amanda Ferris, Dr Mark Jackson & Angus
Campbell
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2000). Processing of Commercial and Industrial Organics in Recycled Organics Unit
Vermiculture Systems. Report for Southern Sydney Waste Board, October 2000. Building B11b
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001a). Composting Science for Industry: An overview of the UNSW Sydney 2052
scientific principles of composting processes. Printed by the Recycled Organics Unit, The
University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001b). Recycled Organics Industry Dictionary & Thesaurus:
Whilst all care is taken in the preparation of
standard terminology for the NSW recycled organics industry. 2nd Edition. Internet
information for this Information Sheet, the Recycled
publication: http://www.rolibrary.com Organics Unit, UNSW, disclaims all liability for any
error loss or other consequence which may arise from
its use.
Acknowledgement
The Recycled Organics Unit would like to thank Southern Sydney Waste Board for funding the
development of this Best Practice Guideline.
8 . . . . . . . . . . . .
How much compostable material is produced?
=
Simplified waste audit health and safety risks for staff (Plate
January 2002
1).
Quantifying the compostable
organics material in your
This Information Sheet provides
organisation’s waste stream is
Inside This Sheet simplified methods that are more
essential to determining the size and
effective for quantifying the amount
type of technology required to
of organic material produced by your
1 Simplified waste audit collect, handle and process this
material.
organisation.
Implementation Rather than conducting an unpleasant

Knowledge of the volume,
and unsafe “waste audit”, simply
composition and variation of the
collect compostable organic materials
2 What materials are you
looking for?
compostable organics stream across
your annual “business” cycle will
(eg. food) separately in dedicated
bins. The quantity of this
also help you identify an appropriate
compostable material can then be
Definitions processing technology.
determined. The challenge is to keep
Understanding this variation general waste out of the “organics
3 The assessment
process throughout the year is important to
determine peak periods and to design
only” collection bins (and vice
versa), but this is simpler than sorting
a system that is capable of managing through mixed garbage.
Food organics
peak volume.
Unnecessary risks are identified and
removed, allowing for simpler and
6 Identifying your food
organics materials
Quantifying the volume and
composition of materials is achieved
by conducting an “audit”. A solid
more accurate estimations than
typical waste auditing practices.
8 Garden organics waste audit involves the physical

sorting of compostable organic
Implementation
materials from mixed waste. This is When implementing a source
10 Wood and timber
an unnecessary task that often
involves unacceptable occupational
separated collection system, the
needs of operations staff must be
11 Paper and cardboard
Estimating variation
Plate 1. Conducting a waste audit of non-source separated waste material. Even if
safety clothing is used, this may still involve unnecessary risks if sharps and/or other
12 across the annual

cycle
Selecting an
contaminants are present.
appropriate organics
management system
13 Notes
Acknowledgement
ã Recycled Organics Unit
ISBN 1-876850-04-3

addressed. If a new operational of waste in the correct bin contributes
system is designed without adequate to environmental improvement and Definitions*
consultation, opportunities to create that putting waste in the wrong bin
simpler and more efficient systems creates unnecessary waste and safety Compostable organics
may be lost, contributing to problems risks for colleagues. Compostable organics is a generic term for all
that prejudice staff against the organic materials that are appropriate for
system. When presenting a new waste collection and use as feedstocks for
management system to staff, confirm composting or in related biological treatment
Staff support is mandatory to that the new system is a result of systems (e.g. anaerobic digestion).
maximise the diversion of organics their expressed needs. Compostable organics is defined by its
from the waste stream and to material components: residual food organics;
minimise contamination levels in What materials are you garden organics; wood and timber; biosolids,
source separated material. Don’t be looking for? and agricultural organics.
discouraged by the terminology – it’s
simply encouraging colleagues to put Prior to selecting an appropriate Waste Audit
their waste in the right bin, and organics management system, it is Determination of the quantities and qualities
making it convenient to do so. important to identify the compostable of individual components present in a waste
materials generated by your stream.
Dissatisfaction with current practices
organisation. Compostable organics
and opportunities for reducing effort,
may include (Plate 2): Source separation
can provide significant motivation Physical sorting of the waste stream into its
for staff to support change. Aim to § Food organics components at the point of generation.
establish a system that better meets
their expressed needs (eg. with § Garden organics Bulking agents
respect to bin size, placement, ease of An ingredient in a mixture of composting raw
§ Wood and timber
use etc.). materials included to improve the structure
and porosity of the mix. Bulking agents are
§ Paper and cardboard
Generate awareness that discarding usually rigid and dry and often have large
particles (for example, straw or wood chips).
The terms “bulking agent” and “amendment”
Plate 2. Materials you can use in your organics management system.
are often used interchangeably. See also
Food organics need bulking agents Wood and timber can be used as composting amendment.
when used in organics management bulking agents with food or garden
systems. They cannot be processed organics. However, if these materials
have been chemically treated, they Carbon to nitrogen ratio
alone! Bulking agents include garden
organics, wood and timber and paper should not be used in your organics The ratio of the weight of organic carbon (C)
and cardboard. Avoid using food management system. It is therefore to that of total nitrogen (N) in an organic
organics high in oils and fats, as these important for you to know the
material.
may contribute to significant odour composition (history) of your wood and
problems in your system. timber and any associated health
issues.
Continued page 5
Garden organics can be processed on Paper and cardboard can be used as

their own or used as bulking agents a bulking agent with food organics
with food organics. These materials and/or garden organics. Due to the
have a relatively high carbon to high carbon content and very low
nitrogen ratio, complementing the low nitrogen content of paper and
carbon to nitrogen ratio of food cardboard, these feedstock materials
organics. cannot be processed alone.
2 . . . . . . . . . . . .
The assessment process organisation. If the new system is § placed next to each garbage/
designed without adequate waste bin; and
Food organics consultation, problems may arise that
The identification of food organics may discourage staff from disposing § located so that the same amount
generated by your business will be of materials correctly into “food of effort is required to place
simpler, safer and more effective if only” bins. material in the “food only” bin
the food organics are collected or the garbage bin (if one
separately for a period of 2 weeks. With staff support, the diversion of requires a lid to be removed, or
This also provides an excellent organics from the waste stream will is a little further away the other
opportunity for a short-term trial of a be maximised (maximising may receive both waste streams).
separate collection system. environmental benefits and cost
savings), and contamination rates of Promote the commencement of the
Food organics include the following the organics stream minimised trial period. Have someone from
subcategories. These categories are (minimising unnecessary effort and kitchen management or elsewhere
useful in identifying suitable safety risks). communicate to all staff the purpose,
handling and processing timeframe and process of quantifying
technologies: Aim to establish a system that meets the amount of compostable materials
the expressed needs of staff (eg. with produced.
respect to bin size, placement, ease of
Material Detail Let staff know they will play a
use etc.)
Fruit and vegetable valuable role in ensuring the success
material Confirm with operational staff that of the project. Also engage them in
Bread, pastries and Including rice and
flours corn flours the new system will meet their needs. the process to identify improvements
Meat and poultry in the system and to make it more
Fats and oils 4. Install source separate collection consistent and efficient for use.
Seafood Including shellfish,
bins with appropriate signage etc
excluding oyster
shells 5. Collect organics generated over
Food soiled paper Hand towels, butter Install the new source separate a two-week period
products wrap etc. collection bins. Make sure that all
Biodegradeables Cutlery, bags,
polymers bins are placed at the same time to The waste audit results will inform
Dairy Solid and liquid avoid confusion, organics ‘leakage’ selection of a processing technology
Recalcitrants Large bones, oyster to the waste stream or contamination that is capable of meeting your
shell, coconut shells
etc. of organics collected. Where organisations needs.
possible, ensure that “organics only”
bins are: In order to obtain reliable and
Use the following steps to identify accurate estimates of the volume and
the quantity and nature of your food § a standard size and distinct composition of your organisation’s
organics: colour with consistent clear organics stream, it is important to
signage; sample organics over a period of at
1. Identify primary locations/ least two weeks. In addition, it may
sources of generation of the § readily recognisable from be necessary to spend one week
food; garbage bins; preparing for the audit – ironing out
any bugs in the process. You should
2. Consult with staff to identify § obviously marked/labelled;
record audit information on Form 1
current practice – what they (attached to this Information Sheet).
like/dislike and existing
§ appropriate size, location and
inefficiencies;
number;
3. Design separate organics

collection system in consultation
with staff employed at operation A source-separated food
level to ensure that the system organics collection system
should be developed to meet the
design meets their needs expressed needs of operational
staff. Staff input gained in
A source separated organics previous consultation should be
directly incorporated.
collection system must meet the
needs of operational staff within your
3 . . . . . . . . . . . .
The steps involved are summarised
below: Contamination of the
organics stream, or leakage
§ Collect the filled separated “food of organics into the waste
stream should be rectified
organics only” bins on a daily immediately! Communicate
basis); the importance of achieving
system operational success,
and let staff know that their
§ Remove waste contaminants contribution really matters.
(plastics, drink containers etc.) –
document type and source of
contamination;
§ Estimate seasonal variation from 7. Contamination
§ Tip contents of bins containing
business records, staff numbers
only small amounts of material etc. to establish peak volumes of Contaminants in food organics
together to minimise the number comprise anything not compostable,
material that would be expected
of bins being weighed; including:
during busy periods.
§ Weigh the filled bins on a § individual portion wrappers
Data on seasonal fluctuations in
platform scale; (plastic or foil);
catering, generation of garden
organics etc. can be obtained from
§ Record the weight on the data § plastic bags, cling wrap films
recording sheet supplied, business records and consultation
and plastic cutlery;
with operational staff.
attached to this Information
Sheet; § glass;
6. Tools and materials required
§ Use the bottom of a bucket to § stainless steel cutlery, foil and

The materials required to determine
compress the food organics other metals;
the amount and composition of the
firmly into each bin so that the
food organics are listed below: § ceramics, and
contents are reasonably well
packed; § Platform scales § drink containers.
§ Estimate total food organics § Data recording sheets (attached) Contamination increases the
volume from the size of the bin
workload and labour costs of an
and the amount of material in it § Tubs for estimating composition
organics management system. In
(compressing material avoids
§ Food waste collection bins addition, contaminants make work
counting low density materials
very unpleasant (removal of
(eg. cabbage/lettuce leaves) as a
§ Stickers for identifying bins contaminants) and create safety
full bin);
hazards for staff (glass and metals,
§ Tongs for removing see Plate 3).
§ Tip bin contents into shallow
contaminants
tubs for visual (percentage)
8. Monitor solid waste stream to
estimates of organics § Gloves (heavy duty kitchen identify any organics ‘leakage’;
composition; gloves)
Improve organics diversion success
§ Combine your contaminants into § Scrubbing brush and access to through education. Remember to
one bin and weigh them; water for cleaning out bins address any problems in system
§ Empty tubs into a garbage skip implementation immediately. All
§ Educational posters for staff
or bin for collection; staff working at operational level
room
should understand clearly how the
§ Wash out “food organics only” § Presentation materials for staff separation system works, and should
bins and return to kitchen staff; meeting have had the opportunity to
contribute to system design to ensure
§ At the end of each week, Supplier information and prices for it is convenient and efficient for their
calculate the total weight of the this equipment is contained in use.
food organics material and the Appendix No. 1.
average volume of each type of There should be no general waste
material identified; contamination of the collected food
4 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plate 3. Contaminants such as glass may be encountered during waste audits –
especially if a source separation system has not been developed. Continued from page 2
Waste Stream
Flow of materials from a point of generation to
ultimate disposal.
Contamination
Contaminants within this context include
physical inorganic materials (metals, glass
etc.), non-biodegradable organic materials
(plastics), chemical compounds and/or
biological agents that can have a detrimental
impact on the quality of any recycled organic
products manufactured from source separated
compostable organic materials.
Feedstock
Organic materials used for composting or
related biological treatment systems. Different
feedstocks have different nutrient
organics and no leakage of food 11. Bin size concentrations, moisture, structure and
organics into the general waste. If contamination levels (physical, chemical and
this does occur, rectify the problem Consider bin size and how bins need biological).
by communicating directly with to be handled in your system. Food
those responsible and encouraging organics can be very dense and
them to help achieve successful heavy, ranging in weight from 0.4 kg
to over 0.8 kg per litre. At the upper * Recycled Organics Unit (2001a).
outcomes.
end of this scale, a 120 litre bin could
9. Improve organics diversion rate weigh over 90 kg, which is both
and maintain through unsafe and well in excess of the
12. What happens now?
consultation and education. maximum capacity of the bin.
After the two-week sampling period,
10. Bin hygiene Given the nature of food organics, 80
you should have a clear
litre wheelie bins are the most
Bins must be cleaned and maintained understanding of the volume and
appropriate size available for food
to control odours. Water and a long composition of food organics
organics collection. Larger bin sizes
handled scrubbing brush can be used generated within your organisation.
can be too heavy (when full) for
to achieve this. In some instances, a You should also have estimates of
collecting dense food material.
small amount of detergent may also variation across the annual business
be required. cycle. This information (in
combination with other factors) can
be used to identify a system that best
suits your requirements.
Consider bin size and

how bins need to be
handled in your system.
Food organics can be
very dense and heavy!
5 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifying your food organics materials
Empty bin contents

Collect the separate into shallow tubs for
food organics bins on visual (%) estimation
a daily basis of food organics
composition.
Remove waste
contaminants (glass,
Combine your
plastics, drink
contaminants into
containers etc.),
one bin and weigh
document type and
them.
source of
contamination.
Minimise the number

of bins you use
Empty tubs into
(combine contents of
skip/bin for
bins that only have
collection.
small amounts of
material in them).
Compress the
organics into each Wash out bins and
bin so that the return to kitchen
contents are staff. Bins must be
reasonably well cleaned and
packed. You can maintained to control
use the bottom of a odours.
bucket to do this.
Calculate the total

weight of the food
organics material
Weigh the filled bins and the average
on a scale. Record volume of each type
the total volume and of material identified.
weight on data
recording sheets.
Estimate seasonal
variation from
business records.
6 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Form 1: Auditing your food organics.
Biodegradables
Dairy products
Contaminants
Bread, pastry
Recalcitrants
Food soiled
vegetables
(estimate)
and flours
Special
Meat and
Fruit and
Seafood
Volume
Weight
poultry
paper
Initial
event/holiday?
Day
(Please provide
details)
Week 1 Kg L % % % % % % % % %
v/v* v/v v/v v/v v/v v/v v/v v/v v/v
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
Weekly total Total Total Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave.
and average
Week 2 Kg L % % % % % % % % %
v/v v/v v/v v/v v/v v/v v/v v/v v/v
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
Weekly total Total Total Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave.
and average
Instructions:
1. Collect the filled source separated food organics bins (note: food organics should be collected daily)
2. Remove waste contaminants (plastics, drink containers etc.), document type and source of contamination
3. Minimise the number of bins you use (combine contents of bins that only have small amounts of material in them).
4. Compress the organics into each bin so that contents are reasonably well packed
5. Weigh the filled bins on a scale
6. Record the weight on the above data recording sheet (remember to subtract the bin weight from the total weight)
7. Estimate food organics volume from the approximate size of the bin and the amount of material in it
8. Tip bin contents into shallow tubs for visual estimation of organics composition (* record % of total volume – v/v)
9. Combine your contaminants into one bin and weigh them
10. Empty tubs into “garbage” bin/skip for disposal
11. Wash out bins and return to kitchen staff
12. At the end of each week, calculate the total weight of the food organics material and the average volume of each type of material
identified
13. Use weekly average to estimate seasonal variation from business records
7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plate 4. Quantifying the amount and type of garden organics produced by your
Garden organics organisation may be difficult, but it is still important if you want to use this material
in your new organics management system.
Garden organics material can form a
substantial proportion of the solid
waste stream, particularly during
summer and after storm events.
In some instances quantifying the

garden organics produced by your
organisation may be difficult.
Nevertheless, you should try to
characterise this component of your
waste stream.
Garden organics materials include

the following subcategories, which
are useful in identifying suitable
handling and processing technology:
Material Detail Over a two week period, encourage § Make notes of any storm events
Putrescible grass clippings gardening staff to record the volume etc. that may have influenced the
garden and composition of the garden amount of material
organics
Non-woody leaves, sapwood, organics generated. In addition, generated/collected during the
garden prunings (<10 mm ∅) identify current practices with your audit period.
organics;
Woody garden branches, twigs
garden organics – are they stock
organics; (>10 mm ∅) piled, mulched, burnt, dumped in a Note: If your garden organics have
Trees and skip etc.? been size reduced/shredded prior to
limbs; auditing, the volume of material will
Stumps and
rootballs. Use the following steps to determine be significantly reduced.
the amount and type of garden
organics produced by your 3. Exclude materials from the audit
Use the following steps to quantify organisation:
and identify the nature of your If materials such as lawn clippings
garden organics (Plate 4): § Have gardening staff count the are usually left uncollected on lawn
number of grass catchers, areas, then do not count this material
1. Consult with relevant staff trailers, trucks, and/or skips in the audit. Leaving this material on
filled with garden organics each the ground is the optimal choice – not
Consultation with relevant staff requiring further effort or
day.
members is essential to determine the management. The goal of the
amount of garden organics material § Determine the volume of each organics management system is to
produced. Identify materials present type of storage medium. improve poor practice, not to change
and the quantities of materials best practice where it already occurs.
generated. If possible, ask gardening § To determine the overall volume
staff to fill out Form 2 for a two week of materials generated on a daily 4. Check the audit results
period to characterise the garden basis, multiply the number of
organics generated. times a container is filled by its After the two week period, it will be
volume. useful to feed data back to gardening
If gardening staff cannot give you staff and confirm the audit results.
accurate estimations of garden § Estimate the total volume of Determine if the results are typical or
organics generated, it will still be material generated on a weekly atypical of what is usually produced.
useful to have garden staff provide a basis by adding the daily totals
guesstimate of the amount of each together. Identify the effects of season or the
material produced. impact of other events such as storms
§ Try to characterise the on the amount and type of material
2. The audit process proportion of different garden produced.
organics generated on a
daily/weekly basis.
8 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Form 2. Auditing your garden organics
Identify your garden organics:
year? (Please provide

Special event/time of
LC: lawn clippings
Grass catcher
Volume (total)
NW: non-woody garden organics
Skip/other
details)
(<10 mm ∅)
Trailer
Truck
Initial
Day
WG: woody garden organics

(>10 mm ∅)
TL: trees and limbs
SR: stumps and rootballs
Week 1 L No. No. No. No.
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
Weekly total Total Total (L) Total (L) Total (L) Total (L)
and
average
Week 2 L No. No. No. No.
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
Weekly total Total Total (L) Total (L) Total (L) Total (L)
and
average
Instructions:
1. Count the number of grass catchers, trailers, trucks, and/or skips filled with garden organics each day.
2. Determine the volume of each type of storage medium.
3. To determine the volume (litres) of materials generated on a daily basis, multiply the number of times a container is filled by its volume.
4. Estimate the total volume of material generated on a weekly basis by adding the daily totals together.
5. If possible try to characterise the proportion of different garden organics generated on a daily/weekly basis. Use the abbreviations given in
this form to identify the different garden organics types.
6. Make notes of any storm events etc. that may have influenced the amount of material generated during the audit period.
9 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wood and timber only if the material is from wood that exposes staff to unnecessary risks.
is not painted or treated. The use of
Wood and timber materials can be a The audit process
other wood and timber materials may
substantial proportion of the solid
create more problems than benefits. As with garden organics and food
waste stream for some types of
enterprises. These materials have a Avoid chemically treated or composite
organics, collect residual wood and
very high carbon to nitrogen ratio, wood products timber materials over a two week
complementing the low carbon to period.
Avoid using chemically treated wood
nitrogen ratio of food organics. and composite wood materials, as § Remove any contaminants
they contain dangerous chemical
Wood and timber organics include
compounds (eg. formaldehyde, § Place the residuals in easy to
the following subcategories, which
creosote, etc.) that may pose potential weigh containers and weigh on a
are useful in identifying suitable
health risks to your staff. daily or weekly basis (depending
handling and processing
on quantity produced)
technologies: Use wood materials that are already
in a form to be processed § Identify type and source of
Material
For OH&S reasons and also for ease contamination (if any)
off-cuts
of management, it is best to use wood
crates
and timber materials that are already § Dispose of material, as is usual
pallets and packaging
in a form to be processed (saw dust practice
saw dust
and shavings).
timber shavings § Clean containers (if necessary)
Size reduction of materials adds
§ At the end of the two-week
For use in your organics management considerable time to the processing
period calculate the quantity and
system, you should consider only of the wood and timber, requires
composition of material
saw dust and/or timber shavings, and expensive equipment and also
generated using Form 3.
Form 3. Auditing your wood and timber residuals Contaminants

Pallets and
packaging
(estimate)
Saw dust
shavings
Off-cuts
Volume
Timber
Weight
Crates
Initial
Day

details)
Week 1 Kg L % % % % % %
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
Weekly total Total Total Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave.
and average
Week 2 Kg L % % % % % %
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
Weekly total Total Total Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave.
and average
10 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paper and cardboard system, only use non-waxed paper § Collect paper in easy to weigh
and cardboard. The size reduction of containers or as per existing
Paper and cardboard materials can be
paper and cardboard can be difficult system;
a substantial portion of the solid
and time consuming without
waste stream for many enterprises. § Weigh paper on a daily/weekly
expensive equipment. So be sure to
Whilst not wanting to impact on basis using platform scales as
identify shredded paper and
effective paper recycling, some of identified previously;
cardboard. It will be much easier to
this material may be useful to the
use in your organics processing
organics management system. Paper § Determine the volume of paper
system.
and cardboard has a very high carbon generated from the size of the
to nitrogen ratio – complementing the The audit process containers.
very low carbon to nitrogen ratio of
food organics. As with other materials, monitor the § Identify type and source of
amount of paper produced by your contamination (if any);
If you have not established a paper organisation over a two-week period.
recycling system, the guidelines are § “Dispose” of or recycle paper
Quantify volumes generated on a
provided in “Office Paper, Recycle through regular practice;
daily/weekly basis, identifying
it” NSW EPA (1990). contaminant levels and the effects of § At the end of the 2 week period,
special events etc. on volumes calculate the amount of material
Use pre-shredded paper/cardboard
generated. To quantify materials generated weekly.
For ease of management and to produced, your organisation should:
facilitate the organics management
Form 4. Auditing your paper and cardboard

Contaminants
Cardboard
cardboard
(estimate)
Shredded
Volume
Waxed
Weight
Paper
paper
Initial
Day

details)
Week 1 Kg L % % % % %
v/v v/v v/v v/v v/v
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
Weekly total Total Total Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave.

and average
Week 2 Kg L % % % % %
v/v v/v v/v v/v v/v
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
Weekly total Total Total Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave.

and average
11 . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you don’t have a paper recycling maximum expected volumes. If the organisation. The selection of an
system, provide a copy of the “audit” is conducted during a quiet appropriate organics management
previous page and Form 4 to period – use business records (eg. system can be made according to this
someone else who is interested in purchasing, reservations, bookings identification of specific compostable
developing paper recycling in your etc.) and consult with operational materials produced.
organisation. staff to estimate maximum expected
volumes. Vermiculture units are suitable for
Estimating variation across processing the following
the annual cycle Document maximum expected compostable organic materials:
volumes in the following format:
Different seasons and events Material Events
influence the volume of “waste” “Food organics: as measured ± 30% Food § Fruit and vegetable
materials produced over a given (eg.) during busy Christmas period” organics material
§ Bread, pastries and
period. Examples of these influences flours;
are identified below: You can now summarise the volumes § Meat and poultry;
of compostable organic materials § Food soiled paper
Material Events products (hand towels,
generated by your organisation in butter wrap etc.)
Food § Public holidays
§ Christmas party
Form 5. Garden § putrescible garden
§ Daily weather organics organics (grass
Garden § Seasonal Selecting an appropriate clippings);
§ non-woody garden
variation organics management organics; (leaves,
§ Storm events system
§ Landscape sapwood, prunings
redevelopment <10 mm)
Conducting an audit will allow the Paper and § size-reduced, non-
identification of the types and cardboard waxed paper and
Your organics management system quantities of compostable organic cardboard
needs to be designed to cope with the materials produced by an
Form 5. Weekly volume of material generated by your organisation
Estimated maximum
Weekly average
Material volume during ‘busy’ Explanation
volume (from audit) (L)
periods (L)
Food organics
Garden organics
Paper and cardboard
Wood and timber
12 . . . . . . . . . . . .
If large quantities of compostable that more readily processes these Site Composting: Technology
materials that do not fall into these types of materials. Options and Process Control
categories are produced by your Strategies (Recycled Organics Unit,
organisation, an alternative organics More information on alternative 2001b) or visit
management system, for example organics management systems, such http://www.recyledorganics.com.
composting, should be implemented as composting, can be found in On-
Notes:

§ NSW EPA, (1990) “Office Paper – Recycle it” New South Wales Environment Amanda Ferris, Dr Frank Valzano, Dr Mark
Protection Authority. http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/publications/pubslist.htm Jackson & Angus Campbell
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001a). Recycled Organics Industry Dictionary & Thesaurus: Building B11b
standard terminology for the NSW recycled organics industry. 2nd Edition. Internet The University of New South Wales
publication: http://www.rolibrary.com UNSW Sydney 2052
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001b). On-Site System Organics Management Systems: A
planning and implementation workbook. Printed by the Recycled Organics Unit, The Internet: http://www.recycledorganics.com
University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia.
Acknowledgement Organics Unit, UNSW, disclaims all liability for any
its use.
The Recycled Organics Unit would like to thank Southern Sydney Waste Board for funding
the development of this Best Practice Guideline.
13 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Can vermiculture work for you?
=
Vermiculture processing Food organics suitable for

January 2002 The use of vermiculture for
vermiculture processing
processing compostable organics The Recycled Organics Unit has
material is often promoted as a performed a number of trials that
Inside This Sheet
suitable means of recycling materials examined the ability of vermiculture
to produce valuable horticultural technology to process a range of
1 Vermiculture processing products.
However, even well managed

common compostable organic
materials (see Appendix No. 4).
Food organics suitable for vermiculture units can fail if they are These trials established that
vermiculture processing
fed with unsuitable materials. vermiculture is most effective for
processing fruit and vegetables
2 Choosing a suitable
processing technology
Vermiculture technology cannot
process all categories of compostable
however a certain amount of
feedstock preparation is required, as
organics with the same efficiency. shown in Plate 1 (Recycled Organics
Definitions Only a limited range of organic Unit, 2000).
materials can be effectively managed
3 Notes
via on-site vermiculture technology.
The audit of ‘waste’ material

See Appendix No.
4 for research
produced on site (Information Sheet conducted by the
No. 2), is an essential step in Recycled
Organics Unit
identifying the type of compostable regarding suitable
Acknowledgements materials that you produce. This will materials for
vermiculture
enable you to decide whether or not processing.
vermiculture technology is suitable
for your organisation.
Plate 1. Mixed fruit and vegetables suitable for vermiculture processing (left).
Preparation of the materials, including size reduction (right), is necessary prior to
treatment in a vermiculture unit.
ISBN 1-876850-04-3

The trials performed by the Recycled § only fruit and vegetables; or
Organics Unit also found that food Definitions*
organics can be processed using § predominantly fruit and
vermiculture, however, materials vegetables with a relatively Compostable organics
need to be prepared into a suitable small proportion of bread and Compostable organics is a generic term for all
feedstock. meat/poultry. organic materials that are appropriate for
The definition for food organics Although it may be possible for composting or in related biological treatment
contains the following sub- vermiculture to process a wider range systems (e.g. anaerobic digestion).
categories: of food materials, the risk of Compostable organics is defined by its

problems occurring and the material components: residual food organics;
management skill and effort required garden organics; wood and timber; biosolids,
Material Detail and agricultural organics.
to sustain the process means that
Fruit and vermiculture processing is not
vegetables Food organics
Bread, pastries Including rice and appropriate for C&I sector on-site
The Food Organics material description is
and flours corn flours applications. defined by its component materials, which
Meat and poultry
Fats and oils include: fruit and vegetable material; meat and
Seafood Including
Choosing a suitable poultry; fats and oils, seafood (including
shellfish, processing technology shellfish, excluding oyster shells); recalcitrants
excluding oyster
shells Performing an audit of all (large bones >15mm diameter, oyster shells,
Food soiled paper Hand towels, coconut shells etc.); dairy (solid and liquid);
compostable organic materials
products butter wrap etc. bread, pastries and flours (including rice and
Biodegradeables Cutlery, bags, produced on-site will allow an
corn flours); food soiled paper products (hand
polymers identification of the types and
Dairy Solid and liquid towels, butter wrap etc.); and biodegradeables
quantities of compostable materials (cutlery, bags, polymers). Such materials may
Recalcitrants Large bones,
oyster shell, produced by your organisation. be derived from domestic or commercial and
coconut shells etc.
industrial sources. The definition does not
If large quantities of fruits and include grease trap waste. Food organics is one
Of these categories, the trials vegetables were identified in the of the primary components of the compostable
performed by the Recycled Organics audit, vermiculture technology may organics stream.
Unit indicated that seafood, dairy, be a suitable option for processing
and monostreams of bread, pastries this compostable material. However, Composting
and flours and meat are not suited to if materials that are difficult to The process whereby organic materials are
vermiculture processing in any process using vermiculture make up pasteurised and microbially transferred under
a significant proportion of your total aerobic and thermophilic conditions for a
significant quantity.
material, a different form of period of not less than six weeks. By
Also, previous qualitative experience definition, it is a process that must by carried
processing technology, for example
out under controlled conditions yielding
has indicated that as higher on-site composting or a source
mature products that do not contain any weed
proportions of bread, meat and dairy separated collection system for
seeds or pathogens.
are combined with fruit and centralised processing, will be more
vegetables in a mixed food organics suitable.
feedstock, the capacity of
vermiculture technology to process More information on other forms of
this material, is significantly processing technology can be *Recycled Organics Unit, (2001b)
decreased (Kater, 1998; Recycled found in “Implementing an
Organics Unit, 2000). Organics Management System: A
planning and implementation
As a result of these studies, the workbook for the commercial and
Recycled Organics Unit recommends industrial sector” (Recycled
that on-site vermiculture technology Organics Unit, 2001a) or from
is suitable for the following http://www.recycledorganics.com.
categories of food organics material:
2 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes:

§ Kater, J. (1998) The Continuous Flow Worm Bed for On-site Organic Waste Amanda Ferris, Dr Mark Jackson & Angus
Management. Self published, Sydney, Australia. Campbell
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2000). Processing of Commercial and Industrial Organics in Building B11b
Vermiculture Systems. Report for Southern Sydney Waste Board, October 2000. The University of New South Wales
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001a). Recycled Organics Industry Dictionary & Thesaurus: UNSW Sydney 2052
standard terminology for the NSW recycled organics industry. Internet publication:
http://www.rolibrary.com Internet: http://www.recycledorganics.com
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001b). Implementing an Organics Management System: A Whilst all care is taken in the preparation of information
planning and implementation workbook for the Commercial and Industrial sector. for this Information Sheet, the Recycled Organics Unit,
Printed by the Recycled Organics Unit, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, UNSW disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other
Australia. consequence which may arise from its use.=
Acknowledgements
3 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide to feedstock preparation and
determining what size vermiculture unit is
= required
Information Sheet No. 4 Selection of a vermiculture materials you produce. This auditing
January 2002 unit process has been detailed in
Information Sheet No. 2.
Selection of the type and size of
Inside This Sheet vermiculture unit required will vary Establishing a source separated
from site to site depending on a collection system is essential for the
number of factors. These factors collection of compostable organic
1 Selection of a vermiculture
unit include: material for processing in a
vermiculture unit. This process is
§ type of materials to be
2 Feedstock composition processed;
also detailed in Information Sheet
No. 2.
Preparing material for § cost;

processing Refer to
§ purpose of the vermiculture unit; Information
Sheet No. 2 for
The importance of a the process of
bulking agent § availability of complementary auditing your
materials; waste and
establishing a
5 Mixing a suitable feedstock § vermiculture processing capacity

for the organic material; and
source separated
collection system
6 Maximum processing
capacity § availability of space and other
site specific constraints. Following this, you need to evaluate
whether vermiculture technology is
7 What size vermiculture unit
do I require? In order to determine what size
vermiculture unit is required a
suited to processing the materials that
are produced by your organisation.
8 Stocking the unit with

worms
‘waste’ audit needs to be conducted
to determine the quantity and type of
This process is detailed in
Information No. 3.
9 Space availability
Plate 1. Feedstock for successful vermiculture processing requires a combination of
size reduced organic materials and a carbonaceous bulking agent.
Definitions
10 Example
11 Caution
Notes
Acknowledgements
ISBN 1-876850-04-3

Feedstock composition Plate 4 shows a final feedstock of of a feedstock. These factors result in
size reduced fruit and vegetables a more suitable environment for the
The volume of compostable material
blended with a cardboard bulking worms and hence processing will be
a vermiculture unit can process (see
agent. more effective.
processing capacity) will vary
depending on the type of material The importance of a bulking Cardboard and office paper are
being processed, the size of the unit, agent common residual materials of the
the amount of worms housed in the C&I sector and these materials can
unit, and management of the unit. A bulking agent is a carbonaceous
provide an excellent on-site source of
material, such as paper or cardboard,
bulking agent if they can be size
Vermiculture units more readily treat that is added to a feedstock to
reduced.
a mixture of organic materials than increase the carbon to nitrogen (C:N)
‘monostreams’ of a single material. ratio and to help achieve a suitable Bulking agents need to be size
moisture level, thereby improving the reduced and thoroughly mixed with
Preparing material for structure and porosity of the the organic materials to create a
processing feedstock. suitable feedstock (Plate 4).
Organic materials to be processed by
An ideal C:N ratio of a feedstock for In some instances achieving the
a vermiculture unit should be size
vermiculture processing is 20 to 25 desired C:N ratio and moisture
reduced to enable effective
parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen content may require the addition of
processing by the worm population
(20-25:1). Maintaining this C:N ratio water. Feedstocks containing
(Plates 2 and 3).
is especially important when materials such as breads, for
The addition of a bulking agent is processing organic materials that are example, tend to be quite dry yet are
required to form a feedstock that will high in nitrogen such as meats and high in nitrogen. A moisture content
support problem free processing. poultry. of approximately 80% is ideal for a
vermiculture feedstock mixture.
If the C:N ratio is not ideal, these
Plate 2. Fruit and vegetables prior to size high nutrient materials will A number of generic recipes (by
reduction using a bucket and spade decompose rapidly and problems weight and by volume) for feedstock
method. such as odour development and pest mixtures comprising organic
attraction may occur. materials commonly produced by
C&I sector organisations are shown
The addition of a bulking agent also
in Tables 1 and 2.
increases the structure and porosity
Plate 4. Blended feedstock of mixed fruit and vegetable and cardboard bulking agent
ready to be processed by a vermiculture unit.
Plate 3. Fruit and vegetables after size

reduction using a bucket and spade
method. Note the very watery texture.
Shredded cardboard can be added to soak
up the excess water.
2 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 1. Feedstock recipe guide (by weight) for compostable organics material
and cardboard bulking agent.
Maximum
Ratio of
sustainable Composition Composition
Feedstock 3 organics to
1 processing Components by weight by weight
type bulking
capacity (%) (kg)
2 agent
(kg/m /wk)
Fruit 41.0 6.8
Fruit and/or Vegetables 41.0 6.8
vegetables + 16.5 4.7:1
Cardboard 18.0 2.9
cardboard
Total: 100.0 16.5
Fruit 22.0 2.2
Vegetables 20.0 2.0
Bread 3.0 0.3

Mixed food
organics + 10.0 Meat/poultry 9.0 0.9 2.6:1
cardboard
Cardboard 21.0 2.1
Water 25.0 2.5
Total: 100.0 10.0
Lawn clippings and non-woody

70.0 4.0
plant materials
Garden No bulking
5.8
organics Water 30.0 1.8 agent required
Total 100.0 5.8
Pre-consumer fruits and vegetables 51.0 6.8

Miscellaneous
food organics Post-consumer plate scrapings
30.0 4.0
+ cardboard 13.3 (mixed food organics) 4.3:1
(eg. Café food Cardboard 19.0 2.5
scraps)
Total: 100.0 13.3
1
Note that this data is a result of extensive applied trials that have shown such feedstock mixtures can support sustained vermiculture processing
without resulting in negative environmental impacts or system failure (Recycled Organics Unit, 2000).
2
Processing capacity is the maximum amount (kg) of compostable organics that can be added to a vermiculture unit per week without causing system
failure. System failure is evident when the processing technology produces problematic environmental emissions and/or declines in processing
efficiency and/or produces a product of unacceptable quality (Recycled Organics Unit, 2000b). Overfeeding of a vermiculture unit will exceed the
maximum processing capacity resulting in problems and management requirements.
3
Shredded paper is a common C&I sector waste material that can be used as a bulking agent when combined with compostable organics material.
However, no data is available at present on appropriate mixing rations to enable processing in vermiculture units. Experimentation with blending
ratios is recommended in order to use shredded paper as a bulking agent.
3 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2. Feedstock recipe guide (by volume) for compostable organics material
and cardboard bulking agent.
Maximum
Ratio of
sustainable Composition Composition
Feedstock 3 4 4 organics to
1 processing Components by volume by volume
type 2 bulking
capacity (%) (L)
2 agent
(L/m /wk)
Fruit 34.0 8.0
Fruit and/or Vegetables 35.0 8.5
vegetables + 24.0 2.2:1
cardboard Cardboard 31.0 7.5
Total: 100.0 24.0
Fruit 14.0 2.5
Vegetables 14.0 2.5
Bread 5.0 1.0

Mixed food
organics + 18.0 Meat/poultry 5.0 0.9 0.8:1
cardboard
Cardboard 48.0 8.6
Water 14.0 2.5
Total: 100.0 18.0
Lawn clippings and non-woody

94.0 28.3
plant materials
Garden No bulking
30.0
organics Water 6.0 1.7 agent required
Total 100.0 30.0
Pre-consumer fruits and vegetables 38.0 8.3

Miscellaneous
food organics Post-consumer plate scrapings
16.0 3.4
+ cardboard 21.6 (mixed food organics) 1.2:1
(eg. Café food Cardboard 46.0 9.9
scraps)
Total: 100.0 21.6
1
Note that this data is a result of extensive applied trials that have shown such feedstock mixtures can support sustained vermiculture processing
without resulting in negative environmental impacts or system failure (Recycled Organics Unit, 2000).
2
Processing capacity is the maximum amount (kg) of compostable organics that can be added to a vermiculture unit per week without causing system
failure. System failure is evident when the processing technology produces problematic environmental emissions and/or declines in processing
efficiency and/or produces a product of unacceptable quality. (Recycled Organics Unit, 2000b). Overfeeding of a vermiculture unit will exceed the
maximum processing capacity resulting in problems and management requirements.
3
Shredded paper is a common C&I sector waste material that can be used as a bulking agent when combined with compostable organics material.
However, no data is available at present on appropriate mixing rations to enable processing in vermiculture units. Experimentation with blending
ratios is recommended in order to use shredded paper as a bulking agent.
4
Note that all volumes are for size reduced feedstock components.
4 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mixing a suitable feedstock effective processing (eg. helpful for this task, or mark the
particles >50 mm should be size inside of tub for different
Preparing a suitable feedstock for
reduced). volumes.
processing in a vermiculture unit is a
crucial step in ensuring a healthy Some generic vermiculture feedstock 7. Determine the quantity of
environment for the worm recipes have been given in Tables 1 bulking agent required (see
population. and 2. The steps for preparing a Table 2) to obtain a suitable C:N
suitable feedstock are given below ratio, moisture content and
Many failures of vermiculture units
and will follow the recipe for a structure (Plate 5).
can be attributed to the addition of
mixed fruit and vegetable feedstock
unsuitable feedstocks or excessive 8. Combine the raw organics
(by volume).
quantities of feedstock. Problems that material and bulking agent
can result from an unsuitable 1. Feedstock should be prepared thoroughly. A fork or shovel is
feedstock include: daily. Storage of feedstock and useful for this task (Plate 6).
unprocessed food organics
§ feedstock too moist – resulting 9. Check the moisture content is
components should be avoided
in anaerobic (low oxygen) suitable by performing the ‘fist
as this can result in odour
conditions; test’ (also known as ‘squeeze
production and pest attraction.
test’).
§ feedstock too dry – not suitable
2. Wear gloves and an apron whilst
for worm movement and Take a hand dull of feedstock
handling materials and preparing
habitation; and squeeze firmly (Plate 7).
feedstock.
Some moisture should be
§ feedstock containing
3. Collect source separated mixed released between the fingers
components that cannot be
fruits and vegetables from however the feedstock should
readily processed by the
collection point (eg. kitchen). not be saturated.
vermiculture unit – such as
seafood or dairy material; 4. Place the raw size reduced food If the feedstock is too moist, it
organics (Plate 2) in a tub or tray may be beneficial to allow the
§ feedstock loading rate too high –
suitable for mixing. bulking agent in the feedstock to
too much feedstock applied to
absorb moisture for 10 minutes
the unit resulting in feedstock 5. Size reduce by chopping with a and then checking the moisture
build up, anaerobic (low oxygen) spade (Plate 3). content again. The bulking agent
conditions and worm death;
may absorb more of the moisture
6. Estimate the volume of raw
§ feedstock particles too large – over time. If the feedstock is still
organics material – using
size reduction is necessary for too moist, more bulking agent
buckets of known volume is
Plate 5. Blending of a Plate 6. Use a fork or Plate 7. ‘Fist test’ used Plate 8. Final feedstock of
cardboard bulking agent with shovel to blending the to determine the correct mixed fruit and vegetables
raw fruit and vegetable feedstock components. moisture content for the blended with a cardboard
feedstock to soak up excess feedstock. bulking agent.
water and to raise the C:N
ratio to an optimum level.
5 . . . . . . . . . . . .
should be added. This will vermiculture unit will only be small proportion of bread and
increase the C:N ratio, which is successful if the appropriate meat/poultry.
not ideal, but may be the balance compostable material is processed in
of variables possible. the unit at an appropriate loading Although it may be possible for a
rate. vermiculture unit to process a wider
If the feedstock is too dry (which range of food materials, the risk of
may be the case for feedstocks Trials performed by the Recycled problems occurring and the
made from dry materials such as Organics Unit found that fruit and management skill and effort required
bread), water should be added vegetables are the most appropriate to sustain the process means that
and the moisture content organic materials for vermiculture vermiculture processing is not
checked using the ‘fist test’. processing appropriate for C&I sector on-site
applications.
10. The final feedstock should have Seafood, dairy, and monostreams of
a suitable moisture content, a bread and meat are not suited to on- The maximum processing capacity of
good structure and a C:N ratio of site vermiculture processing in any a vermiculture unit in relation to two
between 20-25:1 (Plate 8). significant quantity. feedstocks with varying
compositions is shown in Figure 1,
Feedstocks should be applied Also, previous qualitative experience based on research performed by the
immediately to a vermiculture unit, has indicated that as higher Recycled Organics Unit (see
and then the tools used and site proportions of bread, meat and dairy Appendix No. 4).
should be cleaned, ensuring no food are combined with fruit and
material is left exposed to the vegetables in a mixed food organics Note that a mixed food organics and
environment as this can result in feedstock, the capacity of cardboard feedstock, containing meat
odour generation and pest attraction. vermiculture technology to process and bread material, requires a higher
this material, is significantly proportion of bulking agent (due to
Maximum processing decreased (Kater, 1998; Recycled the higher nitrogen content in meat
capacity Organics Unit, 2000). and bread) and can be processed by a
The processing capacity of vermiculture unit at a lower
As a result of these studies, the application rate than the fruit and
vermiculture technology refers to the
Recycled Organics Unit recommends vegetable and cardboard feedstock.
maximum amount of organic
that on-site vermiculture technology
material that can be added to a
is suitable for the following The maximum processing capacity is
vermiculture unit per unit time (eg.
categories of food organics material expressed as the volume of feedstock
week) without causing system
(Plate 9): applied per square metre of bedding
failure.
surface per week (given appropriate
§ only fruit and vegetables; or siting, worm population and
Vermiculture units have a limit to the
management).
amount of organic materials that can § predominantly fruit and
be processed over time. vegetables with a relatively
If the maximum processing capacity

is exceeded, problems can arise such Plate 9. Food organics suitable for processing in vermiculture units include only fruit
as anaerobic (low oxygen) and vegetables or predominantly fruit and vegetables with relatively small
conditions, worm death, odour proportions of bread and meat/poultry.
production, pest attraction and
ultimate system failure.
The maximum processing capacity of

a vermiculture unit is dependent on
the type of materials being fed to it
(feedstock composition) as worms
process different organic materials at
different rates.
As discussed in Information Sheet

No. 3, the installation of a
6 . . . . . . . . . . . .
What size vermiculture unit the process is likely to fail. Figure 2. The size of a vermiculture
do I require? unit required to adequately process the
The processing capacity of a number amount of organic material produced
The size of the vermiculture unit of example feedstocks is shown in onsite is dependent on the size of the
surface feeding area. The surface
required for on-site processing of Table 3. This table will aid in feeding area for an example
compostable organic materials will calculating the surface area (m2) that vermiculture unit is shown below. This
be calculated from the results of an is required to process the volumes of unit has a surface feeding area of
audit of waste produced on-site as 0.53 m2.
organic materials produced on-site.
previously discussed. The size
calculated is actually the number of This can be done by following these
square metres (m2) of surface feeding steps:
area that is required (Figure 2).
1. The type and volume of food
The size/number of vermiculture organic material is found by the
units selected must be large enough audit (Information Sheet No. 2).
to effectively process the volumes of
organic materials produced on-site. If 2. Volume of feedstock – calculate
your vermiculture unit is too small, the volume of feedstock (raw
size reduced food material +
Figure 1. Maximum processing capacity of a mid-scale on-site vermiculture unit for a mixed fruit and vegetable + bulking agent
feedstock and a mixed food organics + bulking agent feedstock.
Fruit and vegetable material Mixed food organics material
fruit mixed food

(8 L) organics
(6.9 L)
water
Fruit and vegetables Mixed food (2.5L)
vegetable (8.5 L) organics
feedstock feedstock bulking agent
24L bulking agent 18 L (8.6 L)
(7.5 L)
Maximum processing capacity Maximum processing capacity

= 24 L/m2/week = 18 L/m2/week
Minimum feeding area (1 m2) Minimum feeding area (1 m2)
Vermiculture Optimum worm mass Vermiculture

unit per m2 of surface unit
feeding area
= 10 – 18 kg/m2
7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3. Processing capacities and estimated surface feeding area required for
suggested feedstocks
Maximum Volume of feedstock Calculated surface
processing from your site after feeding area of
Feedstock Composition capacity of blending with bulking vermiculture unit
blended feedstock agent where required
2 2
(L/m /wk)* appropriate (L/wk) (m )
§ Mixed fruit
Mixed fruit and/or a 2
§ Mixed vegetables 24 a = m = x #m2
vegetables 24
§ Bulking agent
§ Mixed fruit
§ Mixed vegetables
Mixed food b 2
§ Meat/poultry 18 b = m = x #m 2
organics 18
§ Bread
§ Bulking agent
§ Lawn clippings c 2
Garden organics 30 c = m = x #m 2
§ Garden organics 30
§ Pre-consumer mixed
fruits and vegetables a 2 b 2
Miscellaneous 24 a = m + m
§ Post consumer plate 24 18
organics (eg.
scrapings (mixed
Café food scraps) 18 b
food organics) = x #m2
§ Bulking agent
* Based on maximum loading rates calculated by the Recycled Organics Unit (2000).
#
Where x is the calculated surface feeding area required based on the amount of feedstock to be processed on-site.
bulking agent) to be processed Stocking the unit with materials and naturally occur in
each week (and the amount of worms manure, compost and decaying
bulking agent necessary to make leaves. These worms also reproduce
The types of worms used in
the process work). This can be quickly, have a relatively wide
vermiculture units are not worms that
calculated using Table 1 or 2. tolerance to temperatures and
are commonly found in gardens.
moisture (for worms), and are readily
3. Feeding area required – calculate handled (Edwards, 1988).
Worms used in vermiculture units
the surface feeding area required
tend to process larger amounts of
(m2) according to the equation in Other names for Eisenia fetida
organic material, reproduce in
Table 3 and the feedstock type include the ‘Tiger worm’,
confined environments (such as
(see Figure 2). ‘Redworm’ and ‘Red wiggler’.
vermiculture units), and cope well
4. Use this calculated surface with disturbances (such as feeding When establishing a vermiculture
feeding area requirement to and maintenance procedures) when unit, the correct type of worm needs
select one or more vermiculture compared with other common to be incorporated at a sufficient
unit/s that will provide the species (Appelhof, 1997). quantity to process the organic
required surface feeding area. materials produced on-site.
Eisenia fetida (Tiger worm) is the
worm most commonly used in Depending on the feedstock types, a
vermiculture units in warm climates worm application rate of between 10
(Plate 10). These worms process and 18 kg per metre of bedding
relatively large amounts of organic
8 . . . . . . . . . . . .
surface (10 – 18 kg/m2) is wet. The ‘fist test’ should be used to
recommended as a sufficient rate to ensure the moisture content of the Definitions*
quickly establish maximum bedding material is suitable moisture
processing capacity (Recycled for the worm stock. This procedure is Source separation
Organics Unit, 2000). described in detail in Information Physical sorting of the waste stream into its
Sheet No. 6. components at the point of generation.
When establishing a vermiculture
unit, it is important to provide a A period of acclimatisation is Compostable organics
suitable environment for the worm necessary for the worm stock when Compostable organics is a generic term for all
population. The unit must be filled introduced to this new environment. organic materials that are appropriate for
with bedding material to provide a Refrain from applying feedstock for collection and use as feedstocks for
safe and desirable habitat for the a week after introducing the worms composting or in related biological treatment
systems (e.g. anaerobic digestion).
worm population. to allow them to settle. Gradually
Compostable organics is defined by its
introduce the feedstock over two to
The most suitable bedding material is material components: residual food organics;
four weeks until the maximum
garden organics; wood and timber; biosolids,
mature vermicast that is composed of processing capacity is reached. and agricultural organics.
organic materials already processed
by a worm population. To purchase worms and bedding
Processing capacity
Approximately 30 cm of mature material (vermicast) for a The maximum amount (mass or volume) of
vermicast will provide an excellent vermiculture unit, look under “worm feedstock that can be added to a processing
habitat for the worms. This amount farms” in the Yellow Pages or technology (e.g. composting technology) per
of bedding will result in a more advertisements in gardening unit time (e.g. per week) without causing
established environment ultimately magazines. system failure. System failure is evident when
increasing the processing capacity of the processing technology produces
the unit. Space availability problematic environmental emissions and/or
declines in processing efficiency and/or
The type of vermiculture unit
Introducing the worm stock to a produces product of unacceptable quality.
selected for on-site processing of
vermiculture unit should be
compostable organics material needs Bulking agent
performed in the morning. This will
to suit the availability of space for An ingredient in a mixture of composting raw
ensure the worm population does not
the site. For example, a stacking tray materials included to improve the structure and
exit the unit, as daylight will deter
unit may offer the same feeding area porosity of the mix. Bulking agents are usually
the worms from escaping.
but take up less floor space than a rigid and dry and often have large particles (for
Alternatively, a bright light can be
continuous flow unit. example, straw or wood chips). The terms
used to encourage the worm stock to “bulking agent” and “amendment” are often
burrow into the new environment. When determining how much space used interchangeably. See also composting
is required for vermiculture amendment.
Sprinkle the worm stock carefully
processing, it is important to consider
over the surface of the vermiculture Carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio
that other equipment is required for a
unit. The worms will quickly burrow The ratio of the weight of organic carbon (C)
vermiculture process to operate
into the bedding material. Ensure the to that of total nitrogen (N) in an organic
successfully.
bedding material is moist but not too material.
This equipment includes:

Anaerobic
Plate 10. Tiger worms (Eisenia § size reduction equipment (eg. In the absence of oxygen, or not requiring
foetida) are a common worm species oxygen.
mixing tub, bucket and spade for
used in vermiculture units.
soft food organics, shredder for
cardboard);
* Recycled Organics Unit (2001)
§ material handling and feedstock
preparation equipment (eg.
buckets, mixing tubs, garden
fork); § monitoring and maintenance
equipment (eg. thermometer,
pest deterrent devices);
9 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refer to past
§ dry storage areas for bulking Example Information
agent and area for blending Sheets for
A summary of the steps required for important details
feedstocks; and
determining the scale of vermiculture on auditing,
establishing a
§ washing up area (eg. sink, hose) processing technology and the size of
source separated
and bin wash area. the vermiculture unit required for collection system
your operation is shown in Figure 3. and whether
vermiculture can
work for you.
Figure 3. Summary of steps for determining what size vermiculture unit you require
Conduct an audit of the compostable organics material

produced on-site.
See Information Sheet No. 2.
Determine the quantity of compostable organics material

that can be processed using vermiculture technology.
See Information Sheet No. 3.
Calculate the feedstock recipe based upon the quantity of

compostable organics material produced on-site and the
amount of bulking agent required to make a suitable
feedstock.
See Table 1 or 2 in this Information Sheet.
2
Determine the maximum processing capacity (kg/m of
surface feeding area) of the feedstock. This is dependent
on the components of the feedstock as some materials
are more difficult to process (eg. meat/poultry).
See Table 3 in this Information Sheet.
Calculate the size of vermiculture unit required to provide

this surface feeding area.
See Table 3 in this Information Sheet.
When selecting a vermiculture unit, remember to also

consider the space required for ancillary equipment.
See Appendix No. 1.
10 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Caution maintaining a successful on-site
vermiculture operation. However,
The Recycled Organics Unit has
applied research and extensive
been called out to fix many failed
experience confirms that the
vermiculture processing operations.
processes and processing capacities
Rectifying a failed system is much, communicated in this package
much more work than managing a provide a sound basis for problem
system effectively. free vermiculture processing, as is
deemed necessary for successful
This package does not claim to be the application of this technology in C&I
only way for installing and sector on-site applications.
Notes:

§ Appelhof, M. (1997). Worms Eat My Garbage. 2nd Edition. Kalamazoo, Michigan: Amanda Ferris, Dr Mark Jackson & Angus
Flower Press. Campbell
§ Edwards, C.A. (1988). Breakdown of animal, vegetable and industrial organic wastes Building B11b
by earthworms. In: C.A. Edwards and E.F. Neuhauser (eds.) Earthworms in Waste and The University of New South Wales
Environmental Management The Hague, The Netherlands: Academic Publishing, pp. UNSW Sydney 2052
21-31.
§ Kater, J. (1998). The Continuous Flow Worm Bed for On-site Organic Waste Internet: http://www.recycledorganics.com
Management. Self published, Sydney, Australia. Whilst all care is taken in the preparation of
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2000). Processing of Commercial and Industrial Organics in Organics Unit, UNSW, disclaims all liability for any
Vermiculture Systems. Report for Southern Sydney Waste Board, October 2000. error loss or other consequence which may arise from
its use.
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001). Recycled Organics Industry Dictionary & Thesauus:
standard terminology for the NSW recycled organics industry. 2nd Edition. Internet =
publication: http://www.rolibrary.com
=
Acknowledgement =
11 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide to installing a vermiculture unit
= =
Information Sheet No. 5 Where to locate a § pest exclusion; and

January 2002 vermiculture unit
§ availability of services such as
When installing vermiculture water and power if required.
Inside This Sheet technology to process organic
material, careful consideration should Site selection for an on-site
vermiculture installation is important
1 Where to locate a
vermiculture unit
be given to the siting (or location) of
the vermiculture units and the
ancillary equipment.
both for efficiency of handling
materials, and because worm activity
2 Site selection
Determining the most suitable
is dependent upon environmental
conditions including temperature and
Vermiculture management location of an on-site, mid-scale moisture.
activities vermiculture unit is dependent on a
number of factors. These include:
3 Environmental and health

considerations § accessibility;
Appropriate
siting of a
vermiculture
Definitions § maintaining climatic conditions unit will help
to avoid
(shading and controlling potential
5 Other considerations
§
temperature and moisture);
security measures;
problems.
6 Notes
§ proximity to neighbours;
Effective proper placement and
§ areas for storage of materials and management (of a unit of suitable
feedstock preparation; size) will ensure effective operation
without any adverse impacts on
Acknowledgement § noise and odour considerations; people or the environment (Plate 1).
§ leachate;
Plate 1. Example of an on-site, mid-scale vermiculture unit installation in a nursing

home.
ISBN 1-876850-04-3

When locating a vermiculture that is subject to vandalism. in cool storage for disposal the next
installation, consideration of the day. Storage areas should be kept
required area should include the Security measures should be in place clean and tidy and any spillage
actual vermiculture unit, area for to prevent any interaction with the cleaned up immediately to prevent
feedstock preparation and storage, treatment process by unauthorised pest attraction and odour production.
and also area for equipment such as personnel.
size-reduction equipment, monitoring Material should be stored in sealed
The placement of the vermiculture containers (eg. in 80 L mobile
and maintenance equipment.
installation should be adjacent to or garbage bins).
This process of calculating the size of on route to the existing waste
vermiculture technology required to management and recycling area Feedstock preparation
process a given volume of material (Figure 1). This will increase the
efficiency of the source separated A feedstock preparation area should
has been covered in Information
collection system (see Information be located adjacent to the
Sheet No. 4.
Sheet No. 2). vermiculture installation. This area
Site selection should ideally include a small storage
Vermiculture management area to house equipment required for
The selection of a suitable site for the activities size-reduction, measuring and
location of a vermiculture unit is blending of the feedstock mixture, as
important in order to maintain both Storage of material well as clean-up equipment including
operational efficiency and brushes and hoses (Plate 2).
Ideally, food materials should be
vermiculture processing capacity. Equipment such as garden forks and
processed immediately to avoid any
The location should be easily wheelbarrows or similar should be
odour production. Compostable work
accessible from related operational accessible to enable use of the
practices may require short-term
activities, as feedstock material will vermicast product.
storage of compostable organics
need to be transported to the
material prior to processing in the
vermiculture installation. Details on the types of equipment
vermiculture unit. Short-term storage
required for feedstock preparation
The vermiculture units should be of spoiled food is common place in
and supplier information is contained
placed at a distance from neighbours many commercial kitchens. Such
in Appendix No. 1.
and public areas but not in an area spoiled food is often stored overnight
Figure 1. Example of an on-site mid-scale vermiculture installation operated at a commercial catering establishment. This
establishment generates primarily mixed food organics including a small amount of food-soiled paper. The material storage,
feedstock preparation areas and vermiculture units are located adjacent to the waste disposal bins, the kitchen and the delivery
dock.
C&I sector establishment

(e.g. commercial caterer)
Waste management
and recycling area
Kitchen
StreetStreet
Deliver and
dispatch dock
Dry store and cool Office
room
Garden Side access road
2 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plate 2. Equipment used for Environmental and health
feedstock preparation and clean up considerations Definitions*
including hose, garden forks,
watering can, mixing tub, brushes Effective siting of the vermiculture
On-site, Mid-scale
and brooms. units will minimise any adverse A category of on-site composting or
effects on people or the environment. vermiculture-based technology with the ability
Environmental and health issues that compostable organics per day. Such systems
need to be considered when siting are usually comprised of an in-vessel
vermiculture units include: processing unit (composting or vermiculture-
based) and size-reduction equipment (eg.
§ microclimate; garden type petrol driven chippers or
shredders). Procedures involved in the
§ noise production; management of the processing system may
involve a combination of manual labour and
§ odour production;
small mechanical equipment. Mid-scale
systems are often used for the treatment of
Storing vermicast for use § site hygiene;
commercial and industrial sector, hospitals and
When the vermicast product is § sustainable loading rates; and
institutions etc.
removed from the vermiculture unit,
§ sustainable feedstock recipe.
it should be stored on site for use on Feedstock
the gardens of your organisation. These issues are very important for Organic materials used for composting or
an effective vermiculture processing related biological treatment systems. Different
Specialist storage bins are available feedstocks have different nutrient
operation and with careful
which aid in maturing the vermicast concentrations, moisture, structure and
consideration, problems such as
whilst in storage (Plate 3). Mobile contamination levels (physical, chemical and
complaints from neighbours, pest
garbage bins (MGB’s) are also a biological).
attraction and health issues will be
suitable storage unit. 120 L MGB’s
minimised. Leachate
are a good size for this purpose as
Liquid released by, or water that has
they are still moveable once Microclimate percolated through, waste or recovered
reasonably full.
materials, and that contains dissolved and/or
Vermiculture units should be situated
suspended substances and/or solids and/or
See Information Sheet No. 7 for a in an area where there is a degree of gases.
guide to using the vermicast product. protection from extremes of weather
(eg. temperature). Processing capacity
The maximum amount (mass or volume) of
Worms are very susceptible to feedstock that can be added to a processing
Plate 3. Vermicast maturing bin. changes in climatic conditions. The technology (e.g. composting technology) per
acceptable temperature range for the unit time (e.g. per week) without causing
Tiger worm (Eisenia fetida), a system failure. System failure is evident when
common species used in vermiculture the processing technology produces
systems, is 15 to 25 oC (Edwards, problematic environmental emissions and/or
and Bohlen, 1996; Edwards, 1998) declines in processing efficiency and/or
with an optimal temperature of 20oC produces product of unacceptable quality.
(Murphy, 1993).
Compostable organics
This optimal temperature range refers Compostable organics is a generic term for all
organic materials that are appropriate for
to the bedding temperature and not
the ambient air temperature. Control
composting or in related biological treatment
should be exercised over the
environment of the worms to Compostable organics is defined by its
maintain temperatures within the material components: residual food organics;
ideal range to maximise the garden organics; wood and timber; biosolids,
efficiency of the vermiculture and agricultural organics.
process.
Continued page 4
3 . . . . . . . . . . . .
The temperature of the bedding conditioner (such as Plate 4) would Continued from page 3
material within a vermiculture unit provide good temperature control in
can be influenced by the ambient air a relatively constant environment Bulking agent
temperature and from direct sunlight. such as the coastal New South Wales An ingredient in a mixture of composting raw
The lower the mass of bedding, region. materials included to improve the structure
and/or the higher the surface area to and porosity of the mix. Bulking agents are
volume ratio of the bedding, the Situating a vermiculture unit indoors usually rigid and dry and often have large
more it will be effected by daily is a luxury and is often not possible. particles (for example, straw or wood chips).
Most vermiculture units are located The terms “bulking agent” and “amendment”
fluctuations in air temperature and
outdoors and if this is the case, the are often used interchangeably. See also
moisture.
minimum degree of climate control composting amendment.
When siting a vermiculture unit, should be shade, especially in

ideally the units should be placed in summer.
* Recycled Organics Unit (2001)
an area not exposed to full summer
sun. A location that is shaded in A shaded area such as a veranda is
summer, yet sunny in winter is ideal. suitable for a vermiculture unit.
However, if this is not possible,
Alternatively, an enclosed area may shade cloth covering the unit would Noise production
be suitable, but again only if the area also suit.
is shaded and well ventilated so as to The production of noise from size-
be relatively cool during hot summer During summer months, damp reduction equipment, such as a
periods. It may be possible to locate hessian or old carpet should cover the shredder or chipper, may pose
the vermiculture installation in an surface of the bedding mass to problems if this equipment is located
enclosed area where the temperature prevent the units from drying out in close proximity to offices,
is already controlled via air (Windust, 1997). In extreme neighbours or public areas.
conditioning. temperatures, evaporative cooling
can be used to lower the temperature Such equipment should be operated
of the entire vermiculture unit. This in accordance with proper
involves draping a wet cloth over the occupational health and safety
We need a
controlled unit and moving air over the unit by procedures, including the wearing of
environment the use of a fan or a breeze ear and eye protection.
to effectively
process (Appelhof, 1997).
organic Odour production
material! Additional layers of hessian, carpet
underlay or similar can also be The generation of offensive odours
placed over the bedding surface may occur if a vermiculture unit is
during colder months to help insulate not managed effectively.
If the units are located indoors in a
temperature controlled environment, the bedding and to retain heat
If a vermiculture unit produces
an ideal temperature range would be generated by the decomposition
odours, management procedures
approximately 20-25oC, consistent process.
should be implemented to identify
with the desirable temperature range and rectify the problem. These
for people. A reverse cycle air- management procedures are covered
in Information Sheet No. 6.
Plate 4. Example of a reverse-cycle air-conditioner used for climate control.
The production of odours can also
result in the attraction of addition
pests and vermin relative to current
waste disposal practices. This may
pose health risks and should be
rectified immediately.
4 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Site hygiene Suitable feedstock recipe vermiculture unit (small volumes
only) or removed. See Information
Ensuring the vermiculture The application of compostable Sheet No. 7 for a guide to using
installation is clean and hygienic is organics to a vermiculture unit will leachate (vermiculture liquid).
important to minimise odour only be successful if the material is
production and to avoid potential in a suitable form for vermiculture Pest attraction
occupational health and safety issues. processing. This involves only
processing suitable organics, size When installing a vermiculture unit,
Any spillage of compostable reducing the material, amendment opportunities for pest attraction
material, vermicast or leachate with a bulking agent and ensuring a should be minimised.
should be cleaned up immediately. suitable moisture content and
No food materials should be left Where units are enclosed in small
structure. Information Sheet No. 4
exposed as this will attract pests and areas, this may include the
has a comprehensive guide to
create odour problems. installation of pest deterrent devices.
feedstock preparation that will help
you to produce a suitable feedstock Crawling insects can be deterred by
Ensure staff wear gloves at all times
for successful vermiculture standing the units in moats (buckets
when handling materials and that
processing. of water and detergent, Plate 5 or in
they wash their hands after any
contact with the vermiculture salt water). Alternatively, the legs of
Other considerations
operation. This will avoid cross the vermiculture unit can be coated in
contamination with any germs that Further considerations that should be axle grease or sticky pest traps (see
may be present on spoiled food addressed when installing a Appendix No. 1 for equipment
material. vermiculture unit include: suppliers).
Sustainable loading rates § leachate production; Flying insect pests can be deterred
using various baits or traps, for
The application of feedstock to a § pest attraction; example fluorescent (black-light)
vermiculture unit at sustainable rates zappers or devices such as in Plate 6.
§ related services; and
will minimise the accumulation of
unprocessed feedstock within the § security.
units. Feedstock accumulation will
Plate 5. Legs of free-standing
result in temperature increases and Leachate production vermiculture units can be placed in
will make the unit undesirable to the buckets of water and detergent to
worm population. If this situation is The generation of leachate from a prevent crawling pests such as ants
not rectified, system failure will vermiculture unit is undesirable and from entering the units.
occur. can be rectified by effective
management procedures. These are
Loading rates depend on the type of covered in Information Sheet No. 6.
organic material within the feedstock
mixture. See Information Sheet No. 4 If a vermiculture unit produces
for some feedstock recipes and leachate, this liquid must be collected
suitable loading rates. to avoid potential problems such as
odour. The leachate should be
collected and either re-treated in the
Plate 5. Flying insect attraction devices. See Appendix No. 1 for supplier details
5 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ensuring the area is thoroughly clean Water supply will be required for necessary deterrent for potential
after any feedstock preparation, and adding water to units during summer vandals. The only serious instances
storing all materials in sealed months, and for washing containers. of vandalism, in the authors
containers, will minimise pest Wash water from cleaning containers experience, have resulted from
attraction and probably represents a should be disposed of in gardens or locating units in areas already known
significant improvement over current the sewer. to be subject to vandalism and/or are
practice. secluded out of hours congregation
Electricity may also be required for areas.
Related services the operation of specific vermiculture
technologies, but is generally not Some common sense is required
Services such as water, and in some necessary. when installing your vermiculture
instances power, are required for unit. For example, do not install units
effective vermiculture operations. Security where they will disrupt existing
popular activities and therefore give
The availability of these services Security concerns (eg. vandalism) are
rise to antagonistic attitudes.
should be considered when installing often over stated. Be aware that the
vermiculture units and locating units contain decomposing material,
storage areas. which in itself usually provides
Notes:

§ Appelhof, M. (1997). Worms Eat My Garbage. 2nd Edition. Kalamazoo, Michigan: Amanda Ferris, Dr Mark Jackson & Angus
Flower Press. Campbell
§ Edwards, C.A. and Bohlen, P.J. (1996). Biology and Ecology of Earthworms. 3rd Building B11b
edition. London: Chapman and Hall. The University of New South Wales
UNSW Sydney 2052
§ Edwards, C.A (1998). The use of earthworms in the breakdown and management of
organic wastes. In: C.A. Edwards ed. Earthworm Ecology Boca Raton: St Lucie Press.
pp. 327-354. Internet: http://www.recycledorganics.com
§ Murphy, D. (1993). Earthworms in Australia. Melbourne: Hyland House Publishing P/l. Whilst all care is taken in the preparation of
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001). Recycled Organics Industry Dictionary & Thesaurus: Organics Unit, UNSW, disclaims all liability for any
standard terminology for the NSW recycled organics industry. 2nd Edition. Internet error loss or other consequence which may arise from
publication: http://www.rolibrary.com its use.
§ Windust, A. (1997). Worm Farming Made Simple. Mandurang, Victoria: Allscape.
Acknowledgement =
6 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Management and maintenance of a
vermiculture unit
=
=
Information Sheet No. 6 Best practice management temperature, moisture content,

January 2002 & maintenance and sampling vermicast; and
Effective processing of compostable § maintenance – tossing beds,

Inside This Sheet organics material in vermiculture odour, leachate production,
technology requires proper deterring pests, and harvesting
Best practice
1 management and
maintenance
management and maintenance.
This information sheet details best

vermicast.
Ensuring these issues are dealt with

Process control practice management procedures for throughout the operation of the
on-site, mid-scale vermiculture organics management system will
2 Material receival and size
reduction
Feedstock preparation
technology and associated
maintenance procedures that may
result in a well-managed process.
This process can therefore continue
3 and application
Monitoring and
also be required.
When establishing a vermiculture

to operate effectively without
producing negative environmental
impacts.
4 management of
vermiculture units
unit, the following issues need to be
considered: Process control
Monitoring and testing
safety tips § collection – separate collection Process control involves the
system for compostable organic management and monitoring of the
Definitions materials; vermiculture process. This
Indicators of system management and monitoring ensures
5 stress § feedstock preparation – size
reduction of material,
that the process operates effectively
to produce quality vermicast.
Worm activity; feedstock preparation of feedstock mix and
accumulation; oxygen; application to vermiculture The process control plan for on-site
temperature; moisture technology; vermiculture processing (Figure 1)
content; sampling documents the steps involved in
§ monitoring and management – establishing and maintaining a
observations of worm activity,
15 Maintenance of
vermiculture units
Tossing; odour
feedstock accumulation, oxygen,
successful vermiculture unit.
prevention; leachate
collection; pest Plate 1. Monitoring temperature and oxygen within a vermiculture unit. Management and
deterrence; harvesting maintenance will enable a vermiculture unit to operate effectively.
vermicast; light.
Timetable of
18 management and
maintenance procedures
19 Notes
Acknowledgement
ISBN 1-876850-04-3

Procedures for each of these steps This method will adequately size Plates 2 and 3. An example of fruit and
have been documented in this series reduce the organic material and, with vegetable organic material before (top)
and after (below) size reduction using a
of information sheets. the addition of a bulking agent, will bucket and spade.
produce a feedstock that can be
Material receival and size readily treated in a vermiculture unit.
reduction Alternatively, mechanical shredders
Proper receival of compostable can be used, however, at a greater
organic material will avoid health cost.
issues associated with odour
Size reduction increases the surface
production and pest attraction.
area that can be attacked by the
If short-term storage of materials is microorganisms and worms, and will
to occur, feedstocks should be sealed result in a feedstock that will be
at all times and refrigerated or frozen processed quickly and thoroughly.
where possible. Size reduction of feedstock is
essential for effective processing in a
Materials should be size reduced to vermiculture unit.
enable efficient processing by the
vermiculture unit. Size reduction can Further details can be found in
be performed using a bucket and Information Sheet No. 3.
spade as shown in Plates 2 and 3.
Figure 1. Process control plan for on-site, mid-scale vermiculture processing. A reference guide to relevant information sheets in
this Best Practice Guideline is also shown.
Source separate Establishing a separate organics

collection collection system
§ Information Sheet No. 2 – Conducting a

waste audit and establishing a source
Handling of organic separate collection system.
materials
Receival Feedstock preparation

§ Information Sheet No. 3 – Can vermiculture
work for you?
§ Information Sheet No. 4 – Guide to

Preparing the feedstock preparation and determining what
feedstock recipe
size vermiculture unit is required
Organics
processing Organics processing
§ Information Sheet No. 5 – Guide to
installing a vermiculture unit.
Maintenance and § Information Sheet No. 6 – Management and

monitoring of units maintenance of a vermiculture unit.
Harvesting of
product Harvesting and use of product
§ Information Sheet No. 7 – Guide to using

the vermicast product.
§ Appendix No. 2 – Vermicast product

Storage Use on-site standard.
2 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Feedstock preparation & The preparation of an appropriate The addition of moisture may also be
application feedstock involves careful necessary if the feedstock contains
consideration of the raw feedstock raw ingredients that are quite dry, for
The preparation of a suitable
components. Vermiculture units example breads.
feedstock is crucial in maintaining a
process a mixture of compostable
successful vermiculture unit. The ‘fist test’ can be used when
organics more readily than
monostreams of single organic preparing a feedstock to estimate the
Many problems can result if the
materials, for example, just bakery moisture content of the material.
feedstock is inappropriate to the
vermiculture unit. These can include: waste (Recycled Organics Unit,
The method for performing the fist
2000).
test is given later in this Information
§ feedstock too moist – resulting
A number of feedstock recipes have Sheet under ‘Moisture Content’.
in anaerobic (low oxygen)
conditions, worms need oxygen been given in Information Sheet
This method is used for determining
to survive; No. 4 and these recipes are an
the optimum bedding moisture
excellent guide to preparing a
content. However, since the worms
§ feedstock too dry – not suitable suitable feedstock. Plates 4, 5, 6 and
will inhabit the feedstock whilst they
for worm habitation; 7 show the steps in preparing a
process it, the feedstock moisture
mixed fruit and vegetable feedstock.
§ feedstock recipes that contain content should also be at this
components that are difficult to The actual proportions of raw optimum moisture content.
process by vermiculture ingredients in a feedstock are not as
technology – such as seafood, crucial as the overall feedstock
dairy products and hard texture based on structure and
materials (eg. bones); moisture content. The addition of a
bulking agent will influence the
§ feedstock loading rate too high – feedstock texture.
too much feedstock applied to See
the unit resulting in feedstock The addition of a bulking agent, such Information
accumulation, anaerobic (low as paper or cardboard, is necessary to Sheet No. 4
for some
oxygen) conditions and provide an adequate environment for feedstock
subsequent worm death; worm habitation. Bulking agents recipes.
increase the particle size of the
§ feedstock too acidic/alkaline/ feedstock which increases porosity
high in salts; or and the carbon to nitrogen (C:N)
ratio. These factors are essential for a
§ feedstock particles too large – feedstock suitable for processing by a
size reduction is necessary for vermiculture unit
effective processing.
Plates 4, 5, 6 and 7. Preparation of mixed fruit and vegetable feedstock. Raw size-reduced fruit (far left) combined with cardboard
bulking agent (left). Mixed thoroughly (right). Final feedstock of size reduced mixed fruit and vegetables with cardboard bulking
agent (far right). Note the good structure present in the final feedstock mix. See Information Sheet No. 4 for more information.
3 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monitoring & management (measured by the electrical
of vermiculture units conductivity test), pH, and total Definitions*
carbon and nitrogen content. These
Effective monitoring and
tests, however, require laboratory Compostable organics
management of vermiculture units is
analysis and are not normally Compostable organics is a generic term for all
essential for the process to operate organic materials that are appropriate for
necessary for on-site, mid-scale
effectively and efficiently. collection and use as feedstocks for
processing.
The monitoring and management systems (e.g. anaerobic digestion).
A form for recording weekly
procedures described in this Compostable organics is defined by its
management and maintenance
Information Sheet are quick and easy material components: residual food organics;
procedures and for monitoring
to perform ‘field tests’. garden organics; wood and timber; biosolids,
system performance has been
and agricultural organics.
The procedures described below are included in this Information Sheet
effective ways of ensuring a (Form 1).
Best Practice
vermiculture process is operating For any area of waste management this
Monitoring & testing safety
effectively. It should be noted, represents the current ‘state-of-the-art’ in
tips achieving particular goals. Best practice is
however, that a wider range of
testing procedures might be relevant The monitoring and management dynamic and subject to continual review and
improvement.
for specific installations. procedures discussed here are not
hazardous however a few safety
Monitoring procedures will be On-site, Mid-scale
precautions need to be observed.
A category of on-site composting or
described for:
vermiculture-based technology with the ability
§ Gloves – should be worn when
§ worm activity; handling feedstocks and
compostable organics per day. Such systems
vermicast.
§ feedstock accumulation; are usually comprised of an in-vessel
processing unit (composting or vermiculture-
§ Apron – protects clothing whilst
§ oxygen; based) and size-reduction equipment (eg.
handling material and preparing garden type petrol driven chippers or
§ temperature; feedstocks. shredders). Procedures involved in the
management of the processing system may
§ moisture content; and § Safety glasses – should be involve a combination of manual labour and
worn during size reduction small mechanical equipment. Mid-scale
§ sampling vermicast. procedures. systems are often used for the treatment of
Suppliers and approximate prices of § Ventilation – activities such as commercial and industrial sector, hospitals and
associated equipment required for size reduction and feedstock institutions etc.
these tests are detailed in Appendix preparation should be conducted
1. in a well-ventilated area. Feedstock
Organic materials used for composting or
Details of further tests, performed in § Equipment – should be used related biological treatment systems. Different
a laboratory, that maybe necessary to safely, and tasks should be feedstocks have different nutrient
ensure the final vermicast product is supported by standard operating concentrations, moisture, structure and
safe for use will also be described. procedures that define safe and contamination levels (physical, chemical and
These include taking a sample to be effective operating practice. biological).
analysed for:
§ Hygiene – if handling materials Vermicast
§ pathogens; and or feedstock, hands should Solid organic material resulting from the
always be washed with soap and biological transformation of compostable
§ heavy metal concentrations. warm water afterwards. organic materials in a controlled vermiculture
process.
Note that these tests may only be
relevant if the operator intends to sell Always wash
your hands
the vermicast product commercially. with soap and
warm water
A number of more complex tests can after handling
feedstock or
be performed during vermiculture vermicast.
processing, for example salt content
Continued page 5
4 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicators of system stress
Process Control Anaerobic
Effective monitoring and
Process Control refers to the management In the absence of oxygen, or not requiring
management of a vermiculture unit oxygen.
system employed to regulate the
will result in a reliable and efficient production of a 'product' consistently to
organics managment system. defined specifications. A Process Control
Particular occurrences within the System uses procedures to control a given Carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio
system may indicate system success process whenever their absence would The ratio of the weight of organic carbon
or failure and these should be prejudice product quality, jeopardise (C) to that of total nitrogen (N) in an
regularly investigated as indicators of worker safety or harm the environment organic material.
system health. and public health.
Aerobic
The hierarchy of system performance Bulking agent In the presence of, or requiring oxygen.
indicators (shown in Figure 2) is as An ingredient in a mixture of composting
follows: raw materials included to improve the Curing
structure and porosity of the mix. Bulking Final stage of vermiculture processing in
1. Worm activity – is the first agents are usually rigid and dry and often which stabilisation of the vermicast
indication that a system is have large particles (for example, straw or continues but the rate of decomposition
wood chips). The terms “bulking agent” has slowed.
stressed. Worms will attempt to
and “amendment” are often used
escape the vermiculture unit if
interchangeably. See also composting
conditions are unsuitable for
amendment. *Recycled Organics Unit (2000b).
habitation.
2. Feedstock accumulation –
feedstock will accumulate if the
3. Oxygen – if feedstock 4. Temperature – finally
worms are no longer processing
accumulates, oxygen levels will temperature will rise within the
it but are attempting to escape.
decrease and cause anaerobic unit as the feedstock
The feedstock will accumulate
conditions. This will add to the accumulates and decomposes.
and cause the conditions to be
uninhabitable conditions of the
even more unsuitable for worm
unit.
habitation.
Figure 2. Hierarchy of indicators of system stress. Regular monitoring of indicators of stress will ensure problems are identified
promptly, allowing operators to correct these problems to maintain overall performance.
1. Worm activity is the first indicator that a vermiculture unit is performing

Worm activity well or is under stress. Worm activity should be monitored regularly and
any change in activity should be noted.
Indicators of system stress
2. Feedstock will accumulate if a unit is not adequately processing the

Feedstock accumulation feedstock. If feedstock is accumulating, indications are that the processing
rate is too high or the feedstock is not suitable.
3. Oxygen levels will become low (<10%) if the unit is stressed. If oxygen
Oxygen levels drop, management should be implemented such as tossing of the
beds and the cause of the oxygen level drop should be investigated.
4. Temperatures will be high (>30 oC) if the unit is stressed. Temperature

Temperature should be regularly monitored to prevent temperatures becoming this high.
Temperature is the final indication of a stressed vermiculture unit.
5 . . . . . . . . . . . .
=Worm activity Materials Management
Worm activity is an effective § Classification system of worm Management of stressed vermiculture
qualitative method for assessing activity (such as Table 1). units will vary depending on the
system performance. category of worm activity. The
§ Gloves regions that the worms do not inhabit
Worms will behave according to the
tend to indicate where the problems
degree of stress that they are under. If Methods
are occurring. These may include:
the vermiculture unit is not suitable
for habitation by worms, they will 1. Worm activity should be
§ Worms are not in feedstock but
attempt to escape. For this reason, monitored within a vermiculture
feeding from below or edges of
observations of worm activity are unit at least once per week.
feedstock – this indicates the
usually the first indication that a feedstock is unsuitable which
2. Observe worm activity prior to
vermiculture unit is under stress. may be due to particle size,
feeding.
moisture, temperature, or
Worm activity should be monitored
3. Scrape back a section of feedstock content. The feedstock
regularly using a classification
feedstock to expose the bedding recipe should be revised.
system. An example of such a system
surface (see Figure 3 for a
is shown in Table 1. This system uses § Worms are actively trying to
description of the zones of worm
various categories of worm activity escape the unit – the system has
habitation).
to define the performance of a failed and all aspects should be
vermiculture unit. 4. Observe the regions were worms reconsidered (ie. feedstock,
are congregating, for example, if bedding depth, climate control,
Some examples of worm activity
the majority of worms are monitoring and maintenance
exhibiting system stress are shown in
throughout the feedstock then procedures).
Plates 8, 9 and 10. These units are
the system is performing well,
under significant stress and =
but if the worms are on the edges
maintenance procedures should be
of the feedstock or feeding from
performed well before a vermiculture
below the feedstock, the system
unit reaches these levels.
is under some stress.
If worm activity is monitored
5. Record observations.
regularly, system stress and ultimate
system failure can be prevented. The Observing my
method for observing worm activity activity will let
you know if there
is given below. is a problem
within the
vermiculture unit.
Plates 8, 9, and 10. Worm activity indicating severe system stress. Worms are trying to escape vermiculture unit through base
(left), worms are on top of the hessian covering and not in the feedstock layer (centre), worms are trying to escape unit through
unit rim (right).
6 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 1. Observations of worm activity and indicators of vermiculture unit performance.
Category System Performance Diagnostic Indicator

§ Worm population mostly located in feeding layer. No detrimental temperature
No system stress –
A increase (<30 oC).
optimal/good performance
Some system stress – § Worm population largely in feeding layer. Some below feeding layer and some
B moderate system trying to escape unit indicated by worms massing around unit rim. Some
performance detrimental temperature increase in feeding layer (>30 oC).
Moderate/high system § Population largely around sides of unit and trying to escape through unit lid or
C1 stress – sub-optimal accumulating on surface of hessian. Significant detrimental temperature
performance increase in feeding layer (30 – 35 oC).
Moderate/high system
§ Little worm population in feeding layer. Most worms feeding from underneath
C2 stress – sub-optimal
feeding layer. No substantial detrimental temperature increase (<30 oC).
performance
§ No worms in feedstock. Worm population extensively swarming in corners of

D System failure
unit or around unit lid and escaping unit.
Form 1. Weekly management and maintenance form for an on-site vermiculture unit. Management and maintenance procedures
should be performed at least once per week to ensure the unit is operating efficiently.
Weekly Management and Maintenance Form

Monitoring
o
Feedstock % Oxygen concentration Temperature ( C)
Date Worm activity accumulation
(see criteria above) Centre of Below bedding Centre of Below bedding
(cm) feedstock surface feedstock surface
Maintenance
Date Add water (L) Tossed beds Removed leachate (L)
General comments
Date Comment or description of weekly performance Staff initial
7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Feedstock accumulation description of the zones of worm § Feedstock unsuitable – the
habitation). feedstock recipe may be
The accumulation of feedstock
undesirable to the worms and the
within a vermiculture unit should be 3. Measure the amount of recipe should be revised.
monitored to ensure the loading rate feedstock that has accumulated
for the unit is adequate. on top of the bedding material
(Plate 12).
If feedstock accumulates within a
unit, too much feedstock is being 4. Record this measurement.
applied and the worms do not have
time to process it before the next Management
feeding occurs.
An accumulation of unprocessed
Feedstock accumulation can result in feedstock of greater than 20 cm can
problems such as anaerobic (low be detrimental to the vermiculture
oxygen) conditions, odour unit.
production, worm stress and ultimate
system failure. Feedstock accumulation indicates
that the vermiculture unit is under
The method for determining stress. This stress may be due to:
feedstock accumulation is given
below. § Loading rate too high – too
much feedstock is being applied
Materials and the worms do not have time
to process it. Decrease the
§ Ruler loading rate to allow thorough
processing.
§ Gloves
Method
If feedstock is
1. Feedstock accumulation within a accumulating, the
vermiculture unit should be recipe may not be
suitable. See
monitored at least once per Information Sheet
week. No. 4 for some
information on
preparing a suitable
2. Scrape back a section of the feedstock and
feedstock layer to reveal the some recipe ideas.
bedding surface as shown in
Plate 11 (see Figure 3 for a
Plates 11 and 12. Measuring the accumulation of feedstock within a vermiculture unit. Pull back an area of the feedstock layer to
reveal the interface with the bedding material (left). Using a ruler, measure the thickness of the feedstock layer above the bedding
material (right).
8 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oxygen type of meter, a warm-up period Plate 13. Example of a combined
of up to 5 minutes may be Temperature/Oxygen meter (Demista,
Oxygen is essential for vermiculture USA).
required.
processing. Worms and aerobic
microorganisms require oxygen to 3. If needed, calibrate the
live. instrument by aspirating the cell
(squeezing and releasing the
Oxygen in a vermiculture unit has an
rubber bulb to draw fresh air into
effect on the rate of decomposition
the unit). Check the display to
and on the production of odour.
ensure it is reading 21% (most
Consequently, maintaining an
meters round the result to the
aerobic (high oxygen) vermiculture
nearest whole number). Adjust
environment is the key to
calibration screw if required.
maximising the rate of organic Information Sheet.
decomposition and minimising 4. Oxygen readings should be
odours. taken in the zones of worm § Loading rate – if the feedstock is
building up, the lower regions
habitation – the centre of the
The concentration of oxygen in air is may become anaerobic (low in
feedstock layer and below the
approximately 21%. To minimise oxygen) due to compaction. The
bedding surface to a depth of 5
odour generation and to maximise loading rate may need to be
cm (see Figure 3). Insert the
the rate of vermiculture processing, decreased to allow the worms
probe into these regions and
the concentration of oxygen within a time to process the feedstock.
aspirate the bulb until the
vermiculture unit should be kept
reading becomes steady (Plate § Feedstock recipe – if the
above 10% (Recycled Organics Unit,
14).
2000). feedstock is too moist or has a
structure with particles that are
5. Record readings. The average of
The method for monitoring the too small, oxygen will be unable
a number of readings for each
oxygen concentration of a to penetrate this layer and it will
zone can be taken for a more
vermiculture unit is given below. be unsuitable for processing by
representative reading.
the worms. The feedstock recipe
Note that an oxygen meter can be should be revised.
Management
expensive – approximately $2,400.
Although a vermiculture unit can be If the oxygen probe indicates the § Bedding thickness – the overall
managed without one, it can be concentration of oxygen within the thickness of the vermiculture
useful for quickly diagnosing system system is insufficient (ie. <10%), unit bedding should not exceed
problems. The meter shown in Plate management procedures should be 45 cm as compaction can result.
13 is a combined temperature and implemented. These may include: Harvesting of the vermicast may
oxygen meter. Thus, a separate be required to decrease the
temperature meter (eg. in Plate 15, § Tossing – this aerates the system bedding thickness. See the
see next section), is not necessary. by lifting (with a garden fork) section on ‘Harvesting
and loosening the material Vermicast’ in this Information
Materials without burying feedstock. See Sheet.
the section on ‘Tossing’ in this
§ Hand-held oxygen meter with a
probe at least 50 cm long (Plate
13). Plate 14. Insert oxygen probe into the desired zone and aspirate the bulb until the
reading becomes steady.
§ Gloves
Method
1. Oxygen concentrations within a

vermiculture unit should be
measured at least once per week.
2. Turn the meter on and check

battery status. Depending on the
9 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature unit is dependent on the type of and record the temperature
worms inhabiting the units (see (Plate 16). Repeat at a number of
Worms are living organisms that
Information Sheet No. 4 for details locations across the surface. The
require particular conditions for
on worms suitable for vermiculture average of these readings can be
survival. Temperature is one of these
processing). taken for a more representative
conditions and is a factor that
assessment.
influences the ability of worms to Eisenia fetida or Tiger worm is a
process compostable organics. common worm species used in 3. For the bedding temperature,
vermiculture units. The ideal scrape back a section of the
Appropriate temperature ranges need
temperature range for the Tiger feedstock to reveal the interface
to be maintained within a
worm is 20 to 25oC. between the feedstock layer and
vermiculture unit and temperature
the bedding surface (Plate 17).
should be monitored as an indicator A standard method for monitoring Insert the probe to a depth of
of system health. temperature is given below. 5 cm (Plate 18). A piece of tape
There are two distinct zones within a can be placed around the
Materials
vermiculture unit that can exhibit temperature probe to mark this
temperatures that will influence the § Hand-held temperature meter 5 cm depth. Again, an average of
ability of worms to process organic with a probe at least 50 cm long a number of readings can be
materials. These zones are: the (Plate 13 – a combined taken.
feedstock layer and the bedding temperature/oxygen probe or
4. Record readings.
material. Figure 3 shows the location Plate 15). The device can be
of these zones within a vertical analogue or digital. Management
loading vermiculture unit.
§ Gloves If temperatures within a vermiculture
These zones can exhibit different unit are found to be unsuitable,
temperatures due to the variation in Method
management procedures should be
the amount of decomposing organic implemented to rectify this problem,
Temperature readings should be
material present in each layer. particularly if temperatures have
taken in the zones of worm
habitation: the centre of the feedstock been exhibiting an upward trend over
Heat is produced in vermiculture
layer; and below the bedding surface time. This upward trend indicates
units by microorganisms when they
to a depth of 5 cm (Figure 3). emerging problems that must be
consume food (organic materials).
addressed before the vermiculture
Heat builds-up in the unit due to the
1. Temperatures within a process deteriorates. Management
feedstock acting as an insulator to the
vermiculture unit should be procedures may include:
surrounding environment.
measured at least once per week.
§ Climate control – placing the
The feedstock layer is generally
2. Insert the temperature probe into units in a more controlled
higher in temperature than the
the centre of the feedstock layer environment to prevent climatic
bedding material of the unit due to
the higher content of decomposing
organic material in this zone. Plate 15. Example of a temperature probe (REOTEMP, USA).
Measuring the temperature for both
of these zones is important to
understand the processes occurring
within the unit.
Temperature can be influenced by

the amount of feedstock that has
accumulated within the unit.
Temperatures can also vary due to
other factors such as limited moisture
or air (Recycled Organics Units,
2001b).
The optimum temperature for the

bedding material in a vermiculture
10 . . . . . . . . . . . .
conditions from influencing the feeding. § Bedding material too deep – if
processing (eg. frosts). If the bedding material has
temperatures are too low (ie. § Feedstock recipe – if the accumulated to a depth of
<15oC), placing some layers of feedstock is not being processed greater than 45 cm, temperatures
hessian or cardboard over the by the worm population and the within the unit can rise. This is
feedstock layer can insulate the temperatures are increasing, the due to the insulating effect of the
unit and retain heat. See feedstock recipe may not be bedding and the feedstock layer.
Information Sheet No. 5 for suitable (eg. too moist/dry, Harvesting vermicast will reduce
details of climate control. components not suitable, more this bedding depth and lower the
bulking agent required). The temperature of the bedding
§ Loading rate – decreasing the feedstock recipe should be material over time.
amount of feedstock being reviewed in this case.
applied to the unit at each
feeding. If too much feedstock is
applied to a unit, temperatures See Figure 3 for
a description of
will rise, so decreasing the the important
loading rate will allow the monitoring zones
within a
worms to process the feedstock vermiculture unit.
more thoroughly before the next
Figure 3. Zones of worm activity within a vermiculture unit that can exhibit distinct changes in oxygen concentration and
temperature. These zones are: the feedstock layer, and below the bedding surface. An oxygen/temperature probe should be
inserted into these zones to monitor the conditions for worm habitation.
Internal view of a vertical

loading vermiculture unit
1. Feedstock layer
2. Interface between the feedstock

layer bedding material
3. Bedding material
Plate 16. Insert probe into the Plate 17. Scrape back the Plate 18. Insert probe 5 cm below
centre of the feedstock layer interface between the feedstock the bedding surface (Zone 3 on
(Zone 1 on Figure 3 above). layer and bedding material (Zone Figure 3 above).
2 on Figure 3 above).
11 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Moisture content Plates 19 and 20. Pictures showing how to conduct the Fist Test for approximating
moisture content. Press a sub-sample into the flat of hand (left). Close hand around
Moisture content is the proportion of
the sample and press firmly (right).
a material’s total weight that is water.
It is often expressed as a percentage.
The non-water portion of a material
is referred to as dry matter (Recycled
Organics Unit, 2001c).
Moisture content is an important

variable when monitoring
vermiculture units. The bedding of a
vermiculture unit must be sufficiently
moist to allow worm habitation.
However, if the moisture content is
too high, anaerobic (low oxygen)
conditions can develop.
The optimum moisture content for

Plates 21 and 22. Sample with suitable moisture content for vermiculture
vermiculture processing using mixed
processing glistens slightly - some water released between the fingers (left).
worm stock in a temperate
Sample too dry for vermiculture processing (right). Sample crumbles without
environment is approximately 80%
further action when the fist is opened.
(Recycled Organics Unit, 1999).
A simple method for estimating the

moisture content of vermicast is
given below. This method is based
on the ‘fist test’ (Federal Compost
Quality Assurance Organisation,
1994).
The ‘fist test’ provides a rough

estimate of moisture content but
cannot be used to estimate the
volume of water required to increase
the moisture content of a material.
The ‘fist test’ simply gives an

indication as to whether a material
Plates 23 and 24. Sample too wet for vermiculture processing (left and right). The
may be ‘too dry’ or ‘too wet’ for
sample deforms significantly after the fist is opened, does not fall apart when
vermiculture processing.
pressure is applied or if a large amount of water is released, the sample is too wet
for vermiculture processing (right).
Materials
§ ~ 1 L of fresh test sample
§ Gloves
Method
1. Press a sub-sample into the flat

of hand (Plate 19).
2. Close hand around the sample

and press firmly (Plate 20).
3. Open fist and evaluate structure

of sample.
12 . . . . . . . . . . . .
If the sample is sufficiently wet for § Anaerobic (low oxygen)
vermiculture processing, it should conditions – the bedding is too
glisten slightly, that is, some water moist and becomes compacted
should be released between the resulting in low oxygen
fingers (Plate 21). conditions and worm death.
If the sample crumbles without § Leachate production – excess

further action when the fist is leachate can result in pest
opened, the sample is too dry (Plate attraction and problems of
22). disposal.
If the sample deforms significantly These problems of excessive

after the fist is opened, does not fall moisture within a vermiculture unit
apart when pressure is applied or if a may result from a feedstock mixture
large amount of water is released, the that is too wet. If such problems
sample is too wet for vermiculture occur, the recipe should be revised to
processing (Plates 23 and 24). decrease the moisture content of the
feedstock. Increasing the proportion
Management of bulking agent or not adding water
to a feedstock recipe can help to
Moisture can be added to a
decrease the moisture content.
vermiculture unit using a watering
can (Plate 25). Moisture should only The ‘fist test’ can also be used to
be added in the morning as a very estimate the optimum moisture
moist environment overnight may content for a feedstock recipe.
cause worms to leave the unit.
Problems that can be encountered if Only add

the bed moisture content is not moisture to
suitable include: the
vermiculture
unit in the
§ Slumping – the bedding material morning or
is too moist and falls through the we might
leave!
vermiculture unit into the
collection tray.
Plate 25. Addition of water to a vermiculture unit. See Appendix No. 1 for
information on equipment suppliers.
13 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sampling with an ice brick. Samples must restrictions on the use of the product
be kept at approximately 4oC. would be applied.
Samples of the final vermicast
product should be analysed if the 4. Send to the laboratory by courier Further information
product is to be sold in a commercial on the same day of sampling.
context, or in instances where the For more information on producing a
feedstock is likely to contain high Human Microbial Pathogens quality vermicast product, obtain a
concentrations of microbial copy of “Producing Quality
pathogens. This however is not Analysis for pathogens such as E. Compost: Operation and
practical for most C&I sector coli and Salmonella spp. is important management guide to support the
organisations. particularly for vermicast produced consistent production of quality
from feedstocks containing compost and products containing
If microbial analysis is to be decomposing meat, as contamination recycled organics” produced by the
performed, samples should be taken by these human pathogens is likely Recycled Organics Unit or visit
and analysed in a commercial (Recycled Organics Unit, 2000). http://www.recycledorganics.com.
laboratory. Laboratories accredited
by the National Association of Testing for human microbial Alternatively, Appendix No. 2 in this
Testing Authorities (NATA) are pathogens should be performed by a Best Practise Guideline contains a
recommended as they are assessed NATA accredited laboratory brief informative on the vermicast
for testing proficiency on a regular according to methods reported in the product standard.
basis (Recycled Organics Unit, NSW EPA Biosolids Guidelines
2001d). (1997).
The method for sampling of a If human microbial pathogens such

vermiculture unit is given below. as E. coli and Salmonella spp. were
detected in the final vermicast
Materials product above a certain level,
§ Tough polythene bag (Plate 26) Laboratory

testing of the
§ Waterproof marker vermicast
product is only
necessary if it
§ ~ 1 L of fresh test sample is to be sold
commercially.
§ Gloves
§ Cool pack with ice brick
Method Plate 26. Materials required to sample vermicast for commercial laboratory
analysis.
1. Take a sample of vermicast
(approximately 1 L) that
represents the overall vermicast
product. This can be done by
sampling from a number of
representative locations and
combining the materials into one
sample.
2. Seal the sample in a polythene

bag and clearly label (eg. type of
sample, date of sampling and
client name) with a waterproof
marker.
3. Tape or tie the bag securely and

place in a cool pack (eg. esky)
14 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance of vermiculture Tossing Method
units ‘Tossing’ of bedding material is an 1. Slide the fork into the bedding
Maintenance procedures should be effective way of aerating or material to the depth of
performed regularly on vermiculture increasing the oxygen within a approximately half the prong
units to prevent problems from vermiculture unit. length (Plate 27).
developing.
Tossing involves the lifting and 2. Gently pivot the fork down so
Maintenance procedures include: loosening of material without that the prongs lift the bedding
inverting any of the feedstock. A material gently (Plate 28).
§ tossing; garden fork is ideal for manual
tossing as it minimises worm 3. Lift the fork until the bedding
§ odour prevention;
casualties. See Appendix No. 1 for material opens slightly allowing
§ leachate collection; equipment suppliers. air to penetrate the unit and any
compaction is loosened (Plate
§ pest deterrence; Tossing should not excessively 29).
disturb the vermiculture unit. The
§ harvesting vermicast; and process of tossing is given below. 4. Slide the fork out without
inverting material or removing
§ light. Materials material from the unit (Plate 30).
§ Garden fork. 5. Repeat across surface of
vermiculture unit.
Plate 27. Slide the fork in gently to a depth of Plate 28. Gently lift the bedding material to aerate.
approximately half the length of the prongs.
Plate 29. Loosen the bedding material without inverting or Plate 30. Gently slide the fork out without removing
burying feedstock. material.
15 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odour prevention and the cause of this should be should be revised, for example, by
investigated and prevented rather adding more bulking agent.
To prevent health and environmental
than just treating the symptoms.
issues such as odour development, Pest deterrence
areas used for feedstock preparation, Leachate collection
storage and processing should be Pests can be attracted to vermiculture
kept clean and tidy at all times. Vermiculture units can produce processing areas and can include
leachate as microorganisms release vermin, ants and insects.
Odours produced by a vermiculture water during the natural
unit indicate that the unit is decomposition of organic materials. Problems can occur if such pests (eg.
unhealthy. In a healthy unit, worms insects) are able to enter the unit and
can remove odour from putrescible Excessive moisture within the unit breed as eggs and larvae can make
organics within 24 to 48 hours will percolate to the bottom layers the unit undesirable to the worm
(Edwards, 1998). where drainage must be allowed to population.
occur. Drainage and collection of this
Odours tend to occur if the unit is leachate is important to prevent The potential for pests to interfere
progressing to anaerobic (low saturation of the vermiculture unit with a vermiculture unit should be
oxygen) conditions. Anaerobic and attraction of pests (Plates 31 and minimised by installing pest deterrent
microorganisms that thrive in this 32). devices.
environment cause these offensive
Excessive moisture levels will lead to Methods for deterring pests include:
odours.
high leachate production and may
§ Ensuring all areas are kept clean
If a vermiculture unit produces cause problems with waterlogging if
especially after feedstock
odour, maintenance is necessary to the leachate is not able to freely
preparation. All feedstocks
increase aeration and to determine drain. Collection devices need to be
should be sealed when in
the cause of the anaerobic conditions. regularly monitored to ensure
storage.
accumulation of liquid does not
The feedstock recipe should be occur within the unit. § Free-standing vermiculture units
revised as well as the loading rate to
should have the legs of the units
ensure that excessive amounts of The addition of moisture may need to
placed in buckets of water and
feedstock are not accumulating. be reduced if excess leachate is being
detergent or coated in axle
Periodic tossing will help in reducing produced or if the unit becomes too
grease or sticky pest traps (see
the production of odours by aerating moist for worm habitation. The
Appendix No 1). This acts as a
the unit. However, odour production feedstock recipe may also be the
barrier for crawling insects such
is an indication of an unhealthy unit cause of leachate production and
Plates 31 and 32. Leachate collection tray (left). Any leachate produced should be removed from the vermiculture unit (right) and
either disposed of or stored in a sealed container. The liquid can be used as a liquid fertiliser for plants. See “How to Use Recycled
Organics Products” published by the Recycled Organics Unit (2001d) for more information.
16 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plate 33. Legs of vermiculture units placed in buckets of water and detergent to Curing involves the stabilisation of
prevent crawling insects, such as ants, from entering the system.
the organic materials as the rate of
decomposition slows and the
remaining organic material is
consumed (Recycled Organics Unit,
2000b).
Curing can be accomplished by

storing the vermicast in a way that
allows oxygen to penetrate the
material. This can be done in
modified 240 L mobile garbage bins.
A bin that has a perforated raised
floor and air holes on the sides is an
ideal unit to use (Plate 37).
Curing should occur for

as ants (Plate 33). Harvesting vermicast approximately 4 weeks. Information
Sheet No. 7 provides details on using
§ Installing flying-insect catching The benefits of treating residual the vermicast product.
devices such as fluorescent organics in a vermiculture unit is that
(black) lights and sticky fly- a useable end product, vermicast, is
paper (Plates 34, 35 and 36). produced. Plate 37. Modified mobile garbage bin
used for curing of vermicast. See
§ Enclosing the vermiculture units Harvesting of this product occurs Appendix No. 1 for supplier information.
within a room with an extractor when the organic materials from the
fan and minimising odour feedstock have been processed and
production. the worms have moved out of this
region.
It should be noted however that
vermiculture is an ecosystem in itself When harvesting vermicast, it is
and that cohabitation of various often beneficial to allow the material
organisms will exist. Only those to rest or cure before use. Whilst it is
organisms that are a direct pest and possible to use vermicast
that interfere with the vermiculture immediately after harvesting, curing
process such as ants, flies and is a way of completing the
particularly vermin need to be decomposition process and results in
controlled. a more finished product (Grossman
and Weitzel, 1997).
Plates 34, 35 and 36. Attraction device for flying insects. Nelson Electro Stick (left), Efekto Fly Trap (centre) and Yard Guard (right).
17 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light vermiculture unit can be used. This timetable shows the monitoring
Worms will only migrate at night and and maintenance regime for a small
Light can be used to ensure the worm
therefore a continual light source will restaurant using a top loading
population remain within the
prevent this situation from occurring. continuous flow vermiculture unit to
vermiculture unit. Worms can
process mixed food organics.
migrate out of the units under Timetable of management
particular conditions of cool air and maintenance The timetable details how often these
temperatures and 100% humidity procedures should be undertaken and
procedures
(Wilson, 1999). gives the approximate time required
An example of an effective for the procedures.
To prevent migration of a worm monitoring and maintenance regime
population a light shining on to the is shown in Table 2.
Table 2 shows
an example
timetable for
monitoring and
maintenance of
vermiculture
units by a small
restaurant.
Table 2. Timetable of monitoring and maintenance for a small restaurant processing mixed food organics. The vermiculture
units used in this scenario are top loading continuous flow systems with 3 m2 of processing surface area. The feedstock consists
of pre-consumer fruits and vegetables and post-consumer plate scrapings (mixed food organics). The restaurant is open 6 days
per week and feeding occurs after closing each day so the compostable organics need not be stored prior to feeding.
Time required (hours)

Activity
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Feedstock
Feedstock preparation 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5

closed
Feeding of vermiculture
0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
units
Monitoring
Oxygen 0.25
Temperature 0.25
closed
Moisture content As required
Worm activity 0.25
Feedstock accumulation 0.25
Maintenance
Tossing 0.5
closed
Leachate collection As required
Pest deterrence 0.5
Harvesting vermicast As required
Clean-up
Washing up, site
0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
hygiene etc.
Total time (hours) 0 3.0 1.5 2 1.5 1.5 1.5
18 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes:

§ Edwards, C.A. (1998) BioCycle. Report of the BioCycle West Coast Conference. Amanda Ferris, Dr Mark Jackson & Angus
March, 1998, Seattle, Washington. Campbell
§ Federal Compost Quality Assurance Organisation (1994) Methods Book for the Building B11b
Analysis of Compost. BGK-NR 230, Bundasgutegemelnschaft Kompost e. V., The University of New South Wales
Germany. UNSW Sydney 2052
§ Grossman, S.C. and Weitzel, M. (1997) Recycle with Earthworms: The Red Wiggler
Connection. Shields Publications, Eagle River, Wisconsin. http://www.recycledorganics.com
§ Recycled Organics Unit (1999) A Literature Review of Worms in Waste Management.
Report for Southern Sydney Waste Board, November, 1999.
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2000) Processing of Commercial and Industrial Organics in Organics Unit, UNSW, disclaims all liability for any
Vermiculture Systems. Report for Southern Sydney Waste Board, October 2000. its use.
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001a) Recycled Organics Industry Dictionary & Thesaurus:
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001b) Composting Science for Industry: An overview of the =
scientific principles of composting processes. Printed by the Recycled Organics Unit,
The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001c) Producing Quality Compost: Operation and
management guide to support the consistent production of quality compost and products
containing recycled organics. Printed by the Recycled Organics Unit, The University of
New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001d) How to Use Recycled Organics Products - A guide on
the proper use of recycled organics products. Printed by the Recycled Organics Unit,
§ Wilson, E. (1999). Worm Farm Management. Kangaroo Press, Australia.
Acknowledgement
19 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide to using the vermicast product
=
Vermicast product
January 2002 Vermiculture processing of Vermicast is
the end
compostable organics material has a product of the
number of benefits. Primarily, vermiculture
Inside This Sheet process and
valuable resources that would
can be used
otherwise be disposed of in landfill as a soil
1 Vermicast product are processed into a beneficial end

product – vermicast (Plate 1).
conditioner.
Uses Vermicast is the ‘soil-like’ material

produced from compostable organic Vermicast can be used in a variety of
materials processed through applications. These include:
2 Potting mix vermiculture technology.

§ a component in potting mix;
The vermicast product is usually
Soil conditioner § as a soil conditioner; and
classed as a soil conditioner.
§ to produce vermiculture liquid.
Uses
Vermiculture liquid
Vermicast produced on-site is a Details for the uses of these various
valuable organic product that can be products are given below.
Definitions used to maintain the landscaped
Vermicast should be left to mature
environment of an organisation.
(or cure) prior to use. Note that the
3 Benefits In this way, the treatment of

compostable organics in a
information provided refers to the
use of mature vermicast. Information
vermiculture unit not only reduces on harvesting and curing vermicast is
Risks given in Information Sheet No. 6.
waste to landfill (and reduces waste
disposal costs) but also produces a
4 More information valuable soil conditioner for use on-

site.
Notes
Plate 1. Mature vermicast produced from food organics.
Acknowledgements
ISBN 1-876850-04-3

Potting mix and plant growth.
A potting mix is a growing medium Soil conditioners, such as vermicast, Definitions*
suitable for the establishment and are usually incorporated into bare
development of plants in containers Compostable organics
soil containing no plants. Seeds,
(Plate 2). Compostable organics is a generic term for all
seedlings, or established plants are
organic materials that are appropriate for
usually planted after the soil collection and use as feedstocks for
A potting mix is produced by
conditioner has been applied composting or in related biological treatment
blending a range of materials
(Recycled Organics Unit, 2001a). systems (e.g. anaerobic digestion).
together to achieve the desired
balance of drainage, moisture In small areas, such as domestic material components: residual food organics;
retention, aeration and nutrients. gardens, soil conditioners can be dug garden organics; wood and timber; biosolids,
into soil with a garden fork or spade. and agricultural organics.
Vermicast can be used as a minor
component in potting mixes. The The rate of vermicast application Vermicast
addition rate to potting mixes should depends on maturity. Solid organic material resulting from the
not exceed 30% (by volume), as this biological transformation of compostable
will reduce the level of air-filled For fresh (immature) vermicast that organic materials in a controlled vermiculture
porosity in the mix. has not been cured, the rate of process.
application to soil depends upon the
The addition of vermicast to potting length of time to planting. If seeds, Soil conditioner
mixes can help to retain water and seedlings or established plants are to Any composted or pasteurised organic
can supply plant nutrients and be planted within a couple of days material that is suitable for addition to soils.
improve plant growth (Atiyeh et al., from the incorporation of the This term also includes ‘soil amendment’, ‘soil
1999). vermicast, rates should not exceed additive’, ‘soil improver’ and similar terms,
but excludes polymers which do not
20 L/m2 (layer not exceeding 20 mm
A suggested potting mix blend (by biodegrade, such as plastics, rubber and
depth).
volume) is given below: coatings. Soil conditioners may be either
‘composted soil conditioners’ or ‘pasteurised
If planting is to proceed at least two
§ 25 % vermicast – for nutrients; soil conditioners’. Soil conditioner has not
weeks after application, the
more than 15% by mass of particles with a
§ 75% coarse sand – for drainage. application rate can be up to 50 L/m2 maximum size above 15 mm.
(layer not exceeding 50 mm depth)
Soil conditioner though this will depend on Leachate
application. At greater application Liquid released by, or water that has
Vermicast can be used as a soil
rates, oxygen availability to plants percolated through, waste or recovered
conditioner by mixing the product
will be reduced and may impair plant materials, and that contains dissolved and/or
into soils to improve soil condition
growth or result in plant death. suspended substances and/or solids and/or
gases.
For mature vermicast, the rate of
Plate 2. Example of a general potting application can be up to 150 L/m2 Pasteurisation
mix. (150 mm in depth). At greater rates, The process whereby organic materials are
oxygen availability to plants will treated to kill plant and animal pathogens and
weed propagules.
reduce and may impair plant growth.
Planting can proceed directly after
Pathogens
incorporation of mature vermicast.
Microorganisms capable of producing disease
or infection in plants or animals. Pathogens
Vermiculture liquid
can be killed by heat produced during
Vermiculture liquid is a water based thermophilic composting.
liquid extracted from vermicast that
can contain varying levels of plant
nutrients.
This liquid is suitable for adding to

soil surfaces and/or onto plants as a
*Recycled Organics Unit (2001c)
foliar spray.
2 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vermiculture liquids can be produced a ratio of 1:20 (by weight). § Suppression of soil borne plant
in two ways: diseases (Kannangara et al.
2. Shake/stir thoroughly and allow 2000), thereby reducing
§ worm-bed leachate; and to soak for twenty four hours. fungicide and/or bacteriocide
requirements.
§ aqueous vermicast extracts. 3. Allow the solids to settle and
drain off liquid. It has also been suggested that
Worm-bed leachate is the leachate
vermicast have disease suppression
produced from the base of a 4. Depending upon application
qualities. The extent to which these
vermiculture unit. The leachate is method, it may be desirable to
products provide such benefits,
collected and can be applied to plants strain the liquid prior to use.
however, vary with different methods
or soil as a fertiliser, however, it
Application rates are difficult to of production and feedstock mixtures
should be noted that pathogens could
specify due to variability in used (Kannangara et al., 2000).
be present in this vermiculture liquid.
vermiculture liquid product quality
The production of worm-bed leachate and due to the absence of product Risks
is not recommended by the Recycled standards. However, in most cases, A number of problems can occur
Organics Unit as it tends to be a these products need to be diluted with the use of vermicast. This is
result of unsuitable moisture contents with water before they are applied to because vermicast, unlike other soil
within the feedstock or bedding soils and/or plants. conditioners such as composts, do
material. If excessive volumes of not undergo pasteurisation.
worm-bed leachate are produced, Vermiculture liquids usually contain
management procedures should be a solution of organic and inorganic Effective pasteurisation results from
implemented to rectify the problem nutrients and a large number of the aerobic (high oxygen) and
(Information Sheet No. 6). organisms including bacteria and thermophilic (high temperatures of
fungi. >55 ºC) processing of organic
Aqueous vermicast extracts are materials. This process destroys
matured vermicast products that have Vermiculture liquids are also known weeds, seeds and plant/animal
been soaked/steeped in water and as vermi-liquids, vermiculture liquid pathogens that may have been
have had their solids strained off to extracts, liquid vermicasts, liquefied present in the original organic
produce a liquid product. vermicast, vermicast liquid teas and a materials.
number of other commercial brand
A suggested method for making names. However, the risks associated with
aqueous vermicast extracts is given materials that have not undergone
below (Murphy, 1993): Benefits pasteurisation can be avoided of the
product complies with the Australian
1. Mix pure vermicast with water at Vermicast has beneficial properties
Standard AS 4454 (Draft) (2001).
when incorporated into soil. These
include: More information
Plate 3. Collecting worm-bed leachate. § Reduced soil erosion, More details on using vermicast and
particularly in areas with other recycled organics products can
exposed soils; be found in “How to Use Recycled
Organics Products – A guide on the
§ Increased water retention in the proper use of recycled organics
upper soil profile, thereby products” (Recycled Organics Unit,
reducing the frequency of 2001a).
watering to maintain plant
growth; For more information on the benefits
and avoiding risks associated with
§ Release of nutrients for plant inappropriate use of vermicast, see
growth, thus reducing the need the “Buyers Guide for Recycled
for chemical fertilisers (Vasanthi Organics Products” (Recycled
and Kumaraswamy, 1999); Organics Unit, 2001c).
§ Improved plant growth (Atiyeh
et al., 2000); and
3 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes:

§ Appelhof, M. (1997) Worms Eat My Garbage. 2 nd
Edition. Kalamazoo, Michigan: Amanda Ferris, Dr Frank Valzano, Dr Mark
Flower Press. Jackson & Angus Campbell
§ Atiyeh, R.M., Subler, S., Edwards and Metzger, J. (1999). Growth of tomato plants in Building B11b
horticultural potting media amended with vermicompost. Pedobiologia. 44, 579-590. The University of New South Wales
§ Atiyeh, R.M., Subler, S., Edwards, C.A., Bachman, G., Metzger, J.D. and Shuster, W. UNSW Sydney 2052
(2000). Effects of vermicomposts and composts on plant growth in horticultural
container media and soil. Pedobiologia. 44, 579-590. Internet: http://www.recycledorganics.com
§ Kannangara, T., Utkhede, R.S., Paul, J.W. and Punja, Z.K. (2000). Effects of Whilst all care is taken in the preparation of information
mesophilic and thermophilic composts on suppression of fusarium root and stem rot of for this Information Sheet, the Recycled Organics Unit,
greenhouse cucumber. Canadian Journal of Microbiology. 46, 1021-1028. UNSW disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other
consequence which may arise from its use.=
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001a) How to Use Recycled Organics Products - A guide on
the proper use of recycled organics products. Printed by the Recycled Organics Unit,
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001c) Buyers Guide for Recycled Organics Products –
Supporting consumers to differentiate between high and low quality recycled organics
products and to identify the best product for their needs. Printed by the Recycled
Organics Unit, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
§ Standards Australia (2001). AS 4454 (Revised draft) – Composts, soil conditioners and
mulches. Standards Australia, Homebush, NSW.
§ Murphy, D. (1993) Earthworms in Australia. Victoria: Hyland House Publishing.
§ Vasanthi, D. and Kumaraswamy, K. (1999). Efficacy of vermicompost to improve soil
fertility and rice yield. Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science. 47, 268-272.
Acknowledgements
4 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix No. 1
Ancillary equipment requirements
Appendix No. 1 Equipment requirements Process control plan

January 2002
Reliable management of compostable The equipment required is listed
materials requires effective according to the generic process
Inside This Appendix monitoring and management control stages in an organic
procedures. management system (Figure 1).
1 Equipment requirements This Appendix identifies a range of

equipment that may be useful for
These steps can be grouped into a
number of categories:
your organics management system.
Process control plan 1. Establishing a separate organics
Such equipment may be required for
establishing and implementing a collection system – handling and
2 Definitions system, for preparing feedstock,

monitoring system performance,
collection of compostable
organic material produced on-
site.
Equipment required for maintaining a healthy system, and for
3 establishing a separate
organics collection system
safe and efficient handling of
materials.
2. Feedstock preparation – receival
of compostable materials, size-
4 Equipment required for

feedstock preparation
The use of each item of equipment is
listed as well as potential suppliers.
reduction, mixing of materials
into feedstocks, and storage of
bulking agents.
Contact details for the suppliers are
5 Equipment required for

organics processing
also given.
Correct
3. Organics processing – loading/
applying feedstock into
Equipment required for equipment is processing unit, management
7 harvesting and use of

product
essential for
operating a safe
and effective
and monitoring procedures of
the unit.
organics
8 Supplier details management

system.
9 Notes Plate 1. Example of some maintenance equipment required for a successful on-site
vermiculture system.
Acknowledgements
ISBN 1-876850-04-3

4. Harvesting and use of product –
harvesting compost/vermicast
Definitions*
product, curing, storage of
Process control Bulking agent
product, and on-site use of
Process Control refers to the management An ingredient in a feedstock mixture that is
product. system employed to regulate the production of included to improve the structure and porosity
a 'product' consistently to defined of the mix. Bulking agents are usually rigid
specifications. A Process Control System uses and dry and often have large particles. The
procedures to control a given process terms ‘bulking agent’ and ‘amendment’ are
whenever their absence would prejudice often used interchangeably.
Process control product quality, jeopardise worker safety or
involves the
stringent harm the environment and public health. Curing
monitoring of an Final stage of organics processing in which
organics Compostable organics stabilisation of the product continues but the
management
Compostable organics is a generic term for all rate of decomposition has slowed.
system to
ensure a quality organic materials that are appropriate for
product is collection and use as feedstocks for
produced.
material components: residual food organics;
garden organics; wood and timber; biosolids,
and agricultural organics. *Recycled Organics Unit (2001)
Figure 1. Generic process control stages for an operational organics management system. Equipment required for the four
categories is detailed in this Appendix.
Source separate
collection system
Establishing a separate organics

Handling of organic
collection system
materials
Receival
Feedstock preparation
Preparing the
feedstock recipe
Organics
processing
Organics processing
Maintenance and
monitoring of units
Harvesting of
product
Harvesting and use of product
Storage Use on-site
2 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment required for establishing a separate
organics collection system
This category includes establishing a source separate organics collection system, auditing to quantify the amount of
compostable organic material produced on-site, and handling and collection of compostable organic materials.
See the section on ‘Supplier details’ in this Appendix for locations and contact details of appropriate suppliers.
Appendix No. 3 contains example signs and stickers that may be useful for labelling this equipment.
Buckets
Use: Collection of materials. Buckets Supplier: Hardware stores (eg.
with lids are useful for transporting Hardwarehouse, Blackwoods or similar)
compostable materials and feedstock
Price: $12.00 (25 L white bucket)
mixtures.
$4.00 (10 L blue bucket)
Gloves
Use: Handling compostable materials Supplier: Hardware stores (eg.
feedstock mixtures and product. Hardwarehouse, Blackwoods or similar)
Price: $15.00
Apron
Use: Protecting clothes during Supplier: Hardware stores (eg.
feedstock preparation and application of Hardwarehouse, Blackwoods or similar)
feedstock to the processing units.
Price: $10.00
Scoops
Use: Handling raw materials and Supplier: Reflex and other plastics
mixing feedstocks. suppliers or Hardware stores
Price: $15.00 for two
Collection bins
Use: Mobile garbage bins (80 L) are Supplier: Reflex, Sulo and other plastics
suitable for collecting and transporting suppliers
source separated organic materials.
Price: $80.00 (80 L)
Platform scale
Use: Weighing organic materials Supplier: Wedderburn and other
collected during an audit and when electronics suppliers
mixing feedstocks on a weight basis.
Price: $990.00
3 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment required for feedstock preparation
This category includes size reduction of organic materials and mixing of materials to make a suitable feedstock for
composting/vermiculture processing.
Buckets, gloves, apron, scoops
See previous section
Mixing/size reduction tub and spade
Use: Large tub (320 L, model no. Supplier: Reflex and other plastics
M322) and spade are suitable for size suppliers or Hardware stores
reduction of most categories of food
Price: $211.20 (320 L) tub
organics and for mixing materials to
form feedstock. $25.00 spade
Size reduction equipment

Use: Rotary-shear shredder used for Supplier: Brentwood Shredders and
size-reduction of high volume raw Recycling Systems or other machinery
feedstock components and bulking suppliers
agents. For many C&I sector
Price: Depends on size of shredder
applications, a large tub and spade may
be most suitable (see above).
Storage bins
Use: Mobile garbage bins (240 L) are Supplier: Reflex, Sulo and other
suitable for storing size-reduced plastics suppliers
cardboard or paper bulking agents.
Price: $88.00 (240 L)
Plastic shovel
Use: Food grade, “deep bucket” spade Supplier: Hardware stores (eg.
for mixing raw components and bulking Hardwarehouse, Blackwoods or similar)
agent to achieve a suitable feedstock for
Price: $25.00
vermiculture processing. Mouth width
of shovel fits into 25 L buckets.
Hose and trolley

Use: Site clean-up after preparation of Supplier: Hardware stores (eg.
feedstock including rinsing down work Hardwarehouse, Blackwoods or similar)
area, buckets and tubs.
Price: $30.00 hose
$50.00 trolley
Brooms and dustpan
Use: Site clean-up after preparation of Supplier: Hardware stores (eg.

feedstock. Hardwarehouse, Blackwoods or similar)
Price: $10.00 broom
$5.00 dustpan
4 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment required for organics processing
This category includes monitoring and maintenance of the processing units to ensure the system is operating
efficiently and effectively.
Gloves, apron, broom and dustpan
Buckets
Use: Applying feedstock mix to the Supplier: Hardware stores (eg.

organics processing system Hardwarehouse, Blackwoods or similar)
Cost: Approximately $4.00

depending on size
Ladies garden fork
Use: Used for ‘tossing’ of vermiculture Supplier: Hardware stores (eg.

units and/or manually turning small Hardwarehouse, Blackwoods or similar)
compost heaps. A Ladies garden fork
Price: $40.00
has shorter prongs that are better suited
to this activity.
Watering can
Use: Used for adding water to a Supplier: Hardware stores (eg.

processing system. Hardwarehouse, Blackwoods or similar)
Price: $10.00
Thermometer
Use: Used for monitoring Supplier: Hardware stores (eg.

maximum/minimum, day/night ambient Hardwarehouse, Blackwoods or similar)
temperatures.
Price: $10.00
Temperature and oxygen meter
Use: Hand-held temperature/oxygen Supplier: Recycled Organics Unit

meter with a probe at least 50 cm long
Price: ~ $2,400.00
to measure temperature and oxygen
concentrations within vermiculture
units or compost piles.
Ruler
Use: 50 cm metal ruler used for Supplier: Hardware stores (eg.

measuring feedstock accumulation in Hardwarehouse, Blackwoods or similar)
vermiculture units.
Price: $10.00
5 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment required for organics processing
Continued from previous list
Pest control devices
Use: Deterring or killing pests that may

Nelson Electro Stick
interfere with or be associated with
composting/vermiculture units. Supplier: Nelson Lamps (Aust) Pty.
Ltd. or other supplier for similar product
These devices can feature fluorescent
(black-light) bulbs, sticky paper, liquid Price: $245.00
attractants, or electrocution devices.
Yard Guard
Supplier: Hardware stores (eg.

Hardwarehouse, Blackwoods or similar)
Price: $138.00
Efekto Fly Trap
Supplier: Green Harvest Organic

Gardening Supplies
Price: $33.00
Yellow Tape Trap
Supplier: Green Harvest Organic

Gardening Supplies or other supplier for
similar product
Price: $44.00
Bin lift
Use: Loading feedstock from mobile Supplier: Reflex or other supplier for
garbage bins (MGBs) into vermiculture similar product
units. Bin lifts can be used to empty 80
Price: $4,268.00
to 240 L MGBs. Note that this
equipment may only be relevant to
large-scale processing operations.
6 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment required for
harvesting and use of product
This category includes harvesting compost/vermicast from the unit, storage of the product for curing and use of the
product on-site for landscaping purposes.
Gloves
Shovel/spade
Use: Removing compost/vermicast from Supplier: Hardware stores (eg.

the processing system. Hardwarehouse, Blackwoods or similar)
Price: $25.00
Vermicast curing bin
Use: Modified mobile garbage bin used Supplier: Shaefer Systems International
for storing harvested vermicast over time Pty. Ltd. or other supplier for similar
to allow curing or maturing. This bin has product
a perforated, raised floor and air holes.
Price: $181.50 (120 L)
$220.00 (240 L)
Landscaping/gardening tools
Use: Applying the compost/vermicast Supplier: Hardware stores (eg.

product for on-site landscaping as mulch Hardwarehouse, Blackwoods or similar)
and/or soil conditioner (depending on
Price: variable
product).
7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplier details
The supplier information given in this Appendix is for suggested suppliers only. The equipment required and
listed above can be acquired from a number of sources not limited to those listed below. This information is a
guide only.
Blackwoods Stores across NSW http://www.blackwoods.com.au
Ph: (02) 4271 7511

238 Berkeley Rd
Brentwood Shredders and Fax: (02) 4272 9339
Unanderra, NSW,
Recycling Systems brent@brentwood.com.au
2526
http://www.brentwood.com.au
Ph: (07) 5494 4676
52 Crystal Waters
Fax: (07) 5494 4674
Green Harvest Organic Maleny, Qld,
Freecall: 1800 68 10 14
Gardening Supplies 4552
inquiries@greenharvest.com.au
http://www.greenharvest.com.au
Hardwarehouse Stores across NSW http://www.hardwarehouse.com.au
Unit 2, 5 Stanton Road Ph: (02) 9624 2200

Nelson Lamps (Aust) Pty. Ltd. Seven Hills, NSW, Fax: (02) 9624 7213
2147 http://www.nelsonlamps.com.au
Building B11b
The University of New South
Recycled Organics Unit http://www.recycledorganics.com
Wales, UNSW,
2052
Cnr Kareena Road and The
Ph: (02) 9525 9644
Reflex Handling and Storage Boulevarde
Fax: (02) 9525 3891
Equipment Caringbah, NSW
http://www.reflexequip.com.au
2229
17/30 Heathcote Road Ph: (02) 9824 3844

Shaefer Systems International
Morebank, NSW Fax: (02) 9824 3855
Pty. Ltd.
2170 Schaeferssi@schaeferssi.com.au
123 Wisemans Ferry Road

Ph: (02) 4348 8188
Sulo MGB Australia Morebank, NSW Fax: (02) 4348 8123
2250 http://www.sulo.com.au
90 Parramatta Road Ph: (02) 9797 0111

Wedderburn Summer Hill, NSW Fax: (02) 9799 2013
2130 http://www.wedderburn.com.au
8 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes:

§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001) Recycled Organics Industry Dictionary & Thesaurus: Amanda Ferris, Dr Frank Valzano, Dr Mark
standard terminology for the NSW recycled organics industry. 2nd Edition. Internet Jackson & Angus Campbell
publication: http://www.rolibrary.com Recycled Organics Unit
Building B11b
Acknowledgement UNSW Sydney 2052
Organics Unit, UNSW, disclaims all liability for any
its use.
9 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix No. 2
Vermicast product standard
Appendix No. 2 Vermicast product standard the Australian Standard AS 4454 for
January 2002 composts, soil conditioners and
The processing of compostable
mulches.
organics material in vermiculture
Inside This Appendix technology minimises waste to Until this standard is released,
landfill and produces vermicast as a however, as vermicast can be
beneficial end product.
1 Vermicast product standard
Vermicast is a valuable soil
considered to be a soil conditioner,
manufacturers should aim for
compliance against the current
= Australian Standard AS
4454 (1999)
conditioner and is useful for
landscaping and improving gardens.
It is recommended by this Best
standard, AS 4454 (1999).
It should be noted that most C&I
2 Why is an industry
standard needed?
Practice Guideline to use the
vermicast product on-site.
sector establishments will use
vermiculture as an on-site waste
Benefits of compliance with management tool for recycling
However, if vermicast was to be sold
an Australian Standard organics on-site and not as a tool to
commercially, it is useful to be
produce vermicast commercially. As
aware of the relevant vermicast
How to comply with the such, compliance with AS 4454
product standards. Managing the
vermicast standard (1999) is only recommended if the
vermiculture process will support the
vermicast is to be sold commercially.
production of vermicast that
complies with the standard, and Australian Standard AS
Definitions
therefore valued by the market. 4454 (1999)
Compliance with this standard will
also minimise risks of a poor quality The Australian Standard AS 4454
3 What products are covered
in AS 4454 (Draft) (2001)? product being sold to buyers. (1999) contains guidelines to provide
manufacturers, local government
An industry standard for vermicast bodies, consumers and growers with:
Summary exists and at time of printing, this
vermicast industry standard has been § Minimum requirements for the
physical, chemical and
5 Notes
included in the 2001 draft update of
Plate 1. A soil conditioner certified under AS 4454 (1999) for composts, soil
conditioners and mulches. This product is suitable for incorporating into soil to
improve soil conditions and plant growth.
Acknowledgements
ISBN 1-876850-04-3

biological properties of Some products made from recycled
composts, soil conditioners and organics that are commercially Definitions*
mulches; and available do not live up to
consumer’s expectations. These Compostable organics
§ Labelling and marketing products can be variable in quality Compostable organics is a generic term for all
requirements, in order to and damaging to plants when applied organic materials that are appropriate for
facilitate beneficial processing as a compost, soil conditioner or collection and use as feedstocks for
and use of organic materials with mulch. composting or in related biological treatment
minimal adverse impact on the systems (e.g. anaerobic digestion).
environment and public health. Benefits of compliance with Compostable organics is defined by its
material components: residual food organics;
an Australian Standard
The standard also sets out best garden organics; wood and timber; biosolids,
practice guidelines to enable When purchasing a recycled organic and agricultural organics.
producers to consistently produce product, consumers can be assured
quality composts, soil conditioners the product is of a high quality if it is Vermicast
certified against the Australian Solid organic material resulting from the
and mulches (Recycled Organics
biological transformation of compostable
Unit, 2001a). standard. Also, manufacturers can
organic materials in a controlled vermiculture
ensure consumers are receiving a
process.
Why is an industry standard quality product by testing the product
needed? according to this standard prior to Soil conditioner
sale. Any composted or pasteurised organic
The production of vermicast from
material that is suitable for adding to soils.
vermiculture processing of food Australian standard certification This term also includes ‘soil amendment’, ‘soil
organics and garden organics allows the manufacturer to label the additive’, ‘soil improver’ and similar terms,
requires best practice guidelines to product with the recognised but excludes polymers which do not
ensure the vermicast product is not Australian standard ‘five ticks’ logo biodegrade, such as plastics, rubber and
contaminated with animal pathogens (Figure 1). To achieve this coatings. Soil conditioners may be either
(including human), plant pathogens certification, the manufacturer must ‘composted soil conditioners’ or ‘pasteurised
and plant propagules (weeds). An comply with criteria defined by the soil conditioners’. Soil conditioner has not
industry standard provides generic relevant standard. more than 15% by mass of particles with a
best practice guidelines that apply to maximum size above 15 mm.
all vermiculture units and provide the Products certified against an
basis for market confidence in Australian standard are easily Compost
vermicast quality. recognisable in the market place and An organic product that has undergone
controlled aerobic and thermophilic biological
provide assurance of quality.
transformation to achieve pasteurisation and a
Consequently, consumers can buy a
Products specified level of maturity. Compost is
certified against certified product with confidence.
suitable for the use as soil conditioner or
recognised
product mulch and can improve soil structure, water
standards
How to comply with the
retention, aeration, erosion control, and other
assure vermicast standard soil properties.
consumers of
product quality. Quality vermicast is best achieved by
effectively controlling the Mulch
Any pasteurised organic product (excluding
manufacture of the vermicast
polymers which do not degrade such as
product. Implementing a
plastics, rubber and coatings) that is suitable
Figure 1. Certified product logo management system based on quality
for placing on soil surfaces. Mulch has at least
demonstrating compliance to a management system principles, and 70% by mass of its particles with a maximum
recognised product standard.
best practice vermiculture size of greater than 15 mm.
management principles, will provide
an optimum outcome. Best practice
For any area of waste management, this
A quality management system is the represents the current 'state-of-the-art' in
implementation of operational achieving particular goals. Best Practice is
procedures that support the dynamic and subject to continual review and
manufacture and supply of a improvement.
consistently high quality product.
Best practice principles are used to
Continued page 3
2 . . . . . . . . . . . .
develop a set of efficient and
consistent operational procedures
that will maintain product quality and Food organics Pathogen
minimise the impact of vermiculture The Food Organics material description is Microorganisms capable of producing disease
technology on the environment. This defined by its component materials, which or infection in plants or animals. Pathogens
best practice guideline, and the include: fruit and vegetable material; meat and can be killed by heat produced during
vermicast industry product standard, poultry; fats and oils, seafood (including thermophilic composting.
will assist in producing a quality shellfish, excluding oyster shells); recalcitrants
vermicast product. (large bones >15mm diameter, oyster shells, Quality management system
coconut shells etc.); dairy (solid and liquid); Management system to direct and control an
In order to comply with the vermicast bread, pastries and flours (including rice and organisation with regard to quality.
industry standard, the vermicast corn flours); food soiled paper products (hand
product must exhibit a number of towels, butter wrap etc.); and biodegradeables Pasteurised product
physical and chemical requirements. (cutlery, bags, polymers). Such materials may A process whereby organic materials are
be derived from domestic or commercial and treated to kill plant and animal pathogens and
These requirements are given in
industrial sources. The definition does not plant propagules. Pasteurisation can be
Table 1.
include grease trap waste. Food organics is one achieved by the controlled biological
of the primary components of the compostable transformation of organic materials under
If claiming certification against the
organics stream. aerobic and thermophilic conditions such that
standard, compliance must be
the whole mass of constantly moist material is
demonstrated periodically by testing
Garden organics subjected to at least 3 consecutive days to a
by an independent laboratory. The Garden Organics material description is minimum temperature of 55°C (or by
defined by its component materials including: equivalent process).
What products are covered putrescible garden organics (grass clippings);
in AS 4454 (Draft) (2001)? non-woody garden organics; woody garden Pasteurisation
organics; trees and limbs; stumps and The process whereby organic materials are
At the time of printing, the standard
rootballs. Such materials may be derived from treated to kill plant and animal pathogens and
provides quality guidelines for three
domestic, Construction and Demolition and weed propagules.
major categories of product:
Commercial and Industrial sources. Garden
pasteurised products, composted Organics is one of the primary components of Mesophilic
products and vermicast. the compostable organics stream. A temperature range of 20 – 45 oC.
Products defined in this standard are

manufactured by the controlled
microbial transformation of organic *Recycled Organics Unit (2000b)
materials.
Vermiculture derived products can be

subject to pre-processing or post- AS 4454 (Draft) (2001) requires that
processing pasteurisation. Pre- if pre- or post-processing
processing pasteurisation involves pasteurisation is not performed,
pasteurising the feedstock material analytical testing must be performed
before vermiculture processing. This to confirm the absence of plant
eradicates pathogens and weed seeds. propagules and problematic human
Post-processing pasteurisation pathogens (including E. coli and
involves pasteurising the finished Salmonella).
vermicast product, however, this also
results in the destruction of the In a well-managed system, vermicast
beneficial microorganisms present in produced from materials containing
the vermicast. human pathogens (such as meat etc.)
can undergo an adequate level of
Studies have shown that human and sanitation, however, testing is
plant pathogens are reduced through recommended and pre- or post-
processing under mesophilic processing pasteurisation will
conditions in vermiculture units significantly decrease the risk of
(Brown and Mitchell, 1981; transmitting pathogens.
Amaravadi et al., 1990; Pederson and
Henrikson, 1993).
3 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 1. Physical and chemical requirements for vermicast (Standards Australia AS 4454, 2001 Revised draft).
Characteristic and unit of measurement Requirement

pH 5.0 – 7.5
pH units If pH > 7.5 determine total CaCO3
Electrical conductivity No limit
dS/m
Phosphorous, soluble ≤5
For products which claim to be for phosphorus-sensitive plants
mg/L in extract No requirement otherwise
Phosphorous, total ≤ 0.1
For products which claim to be for phosphorous-sensitive plants
% dry mass No requirements otherwise
Ammonium-N No requirement
mg/L in extract
Ammonium-N plus nitrogen-N >100
mg/L in extract If a contribution to plant nutrition is claimed
Nitrogen, total ≥ 0.8
% dry matter If a contribution to plant nutrition is claimed
Organic matter content ≥ 25
% dry matter
Boron1 < 200
mg/kg dry mass Products with a total B of < 100 can have unrestricted use
Sodium < 1 or at least 7.5 moles calcium plus magnesium for each mole of
% dry mass sodium in the dry matter
Wettability <7
For the < 16 ± 1 mm fraction.
minutes If <5% of the product is <16 mm, the wettability test does not apply.
Toxicity index ≥ 20 for all products except those labelled as manure, for which EC
% criteria are more appropriate
PARTICLE SIZE GRADING
Maximum size ≤ 16
millimetre
Tolerance Not more than 20% by mass in the shortest dimension to be retained by
% mass the sieve
Total CaCO3 equivalent To be determined and stated if pH > 7.5
% dry matter
Chemical contaminants (includes heavy metals) To comply with current national guidelines for unrestricted use
Organic contaminants To comply with current national guidelines for unrestricted use
Moisture content Minimum 25
Maximum = % organic matter (OM) + 6 if OM > 40%
% Maximum = % organic matter + 10 if OM < 40%
CONTAMINANTS
Glass, metal and rigid plastics > 2 mm ≤ 0.5
Plastics – light, flexible or film > 5 mm ≤ 0.05
Stones and lumps of clay ≥ 5 mm ≤5
Suppliers and their customers are advised to agree upon an acceptable
maximum level of visual contamination by light weight plastic (5% by
% dry matter (w/w) volume has been suggested but there may be reason to differ)
Self heating No requirement
o
C
Vermicast sieve test 90% passing through the 1.8 mm sieve apertures
Plant propgules Nil
1
Note: testing for B will generally only be necessary for products that are based on seaweed, seagrass or unseparated municipal solid wastes that have
a component of cardboard packaging
4 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary compliance with the relevant product the need for equivalent landscape
standard involves pre- or post- products that would otherwise be
Compliance with the vermiculture
processing pasteurisation and/or purchased at commercial rates.
product standard Australian Standard
product testing. These requirements
AS 4454 (1999) for composts, soil Vermicast is a valuable end product
will increase the cost of the
conditioners and mulches, will that can improve the commercial
vermiculture process, however, such
increase the perceived quality and viability of on-site vermiculture
costs may be returned through the
commercial value of a product. treatment of compostable organic
sale of a quality vermicast product.
materials. However, most C&I sector
The treatment of compostable
Vermicast is best used on-site to establishments will find greater
organic materials via vermiculture
improve the landscaped environment benefit by focusing on managing the
processing on-site produces an end
of the organisation. This use of the system to reduce the amount of waste
product of vermicast. This product
vermicast product therefore avoids sent to landfill.
can be sold commercially however
Notes:

§ Amaravadi, L. Bisesi, M. and Bozarth, R.F. (1990). Vermial virucidal activity: Amanda Ferris, Dr Mark Jackson & Angus
implications for management of pathogenic biological wastes on land. Biological Campbell
Wastes, 34(4): 349-358. Recycled Organics Unit
Building B11b
§ Brown, A.B and Mitchell, M.J. (1981). Role of earthworm, Eisenia foetida, in affecting The University of New South Wales
survival of Salmonella enterititus ser. typhimurium Pedobiologia, 22: 434-438. UNSW Sydney 2052
§ Pederson, J.C. and Hendriksen, N.B. (1993). Effect of passage though the intestinal
tracts of detritivore earthworms (Lumbricus spp.) on the number of selected Gram- Internet: http://www.recycledorganics.com
negative and total bacteria. Biology and Fertility of Soils, 16(3): 227-232.
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001a). Producing Quality Compost: Operation and
management guide to support the consistent production of quality compost and products Organics Unit, UNSW, disclaims all liability for any
containing recycled organics. Printed by the Recycled Organics Unit, The University of error loss or other consequence which may arise from
New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. its use.
§ Standards Australia (1999). AS 4454 – Composts, soil conditioners and mulches. =
Standards Australia, Homebush, NSW.
§ Standards Australia (2001). AS 4454 (Revised draft) – Composts, soil conditioners and
mulches. Standards Australia, Homebush, NSW.
Acknowledgement
5 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix No. 3
Signage
Appendix No. 3 Standard signage Information

January 2002 signage should
This Appendix contains example be specific to
the types of
signage for use in Commercial materials
Inside This Appendix and Industrial (C&I) sector produced by
organisations where source separate, your
organisation.
compostable organics collection
1 Standard signage
systems have been installed.
2= Example
The signage can be used in areas
where compostable organic material
is to be collected – for example, food
Materials that are not compostable
(eg. metal, plastic, glass) are
considered as contaminants and can
3 How to use signage

effectively
preparation and consumption areas
(Plate 1).
cause a range of inefficiencies and
problems later on.
4 Generic signs Signage clearly informs people of

what materials should be placed in
A standard range of bin labels have
been developed that comprise
each type of bin, and what should consistent colours and symbols
Definitions not. to represent waste, recyclables
and compostable organic materials
All collection containers should be (Plate 2).
14 Notes labelled with the same markings (and
ideally all be the one colour) so they These colours and symbols are often
are readily distinguished from bins seen on mobile garbage bins used in
that are used for other purposes. public places.
Acknowledgements
Plate 1. Compostable organics bin and Plate 2. Standard colour collection bin
site specific sign in a commercial and label
kitchen
ISBN 1-876850-04-3

Easy identification and clearly from non-compostable (eg. plastic) § pre-consumer fruit, vegetables,
distinguishable containers are key single portion items like sugar or bread and meat from food
elements in a successful recycling jam. preparation activities;
system.
A small hotel that provides meals of § post-consumer plate scrapings of
Examples of standard bin labels are breakfast, lunch and dinner has fruit, vegetables, meat, bread and
contained at the end of this Appendix implemented a source separate soiled paper serviettes;
and details of suppliers are also collection system for compostable
provided. organic materials. The material could § paper packaging materials from
be processed on-site via composting single serve items such as
It may be more useful, however, to or vermiculture, or could be collected condiments, sugar and tea bags;
develop signage that is relevant to the for composting at a centralised
specific types of materials produced § coffee grinds;
facility. In this example, the material
from your organisation (see Plate 1). is being processed on-site in a § newspapers and packaging boxes
vermiculture unit. such as cereal boxes; and
Example
As mentioned, information signage Food is prepared on-site and plate § flowers from table displays.
tends to be more effective if it is scrapings are cleared by kitchen staff.
directly relevant to your organisation. “Compostable organic material only” General rubbish signs for this hotel
bins are placed in the kitchen area should directly compliment “organics
Generic information sign examples and are emptied regularly. A only” information signs by targeting
are shown below, however, particular previous audit identified the the key materials so that staff can
attention should be given to following range of organic materials clearly identify which items go into
distinguish compostable (eg. paper) produced on-site: which bin.
Figure 1. Example signage for a small hotel based on an audit of organics produced on-site. Identifying key organic fractions
for vermiculture processing will educate staff and minimise contamination levels.
Compostable organic Compostable paper and

materials only cardboard only
for the worm farm for the worm farm
fruit and vegetables
newspapers
meat (no large bones)
bread
single serve sugar
packages
coffee grinds
tea bags
unwaxed packaging
boxes
flowers
(eg. cereal boxes)
paper serviettes and

other soiled paper
∅ NO plastics, foil, glass, metal ∅ NO plastics, foil, glass, metal
2 . . . . . . . . . . .
Example signs are shown in Figures For example, contamination of label combination to
1 and 2 for compostable organic organic material with broken glass differentiate between “organics
materials and general garbage will pose a safety risk to staff only” bins, paper bins, general
respectively. handling the material and preparing recyclables and also garbage
the feedstock, and harvesting and bins. Details for suppliers of
How to use signage using the compost/vermicast product. durable stickers are given at the
effectively end of this section.
The potential for contamination, and
Effective signage for separate
the difficulties associated with § Combining words, colour and
collection of compostable organic
sorting through contaminated organic pictures – a combination of
materials and bulking agents will
material, leads to the necessity of words, colour and pictures
reduce contamination, avoiding risks
having clear and effective signage. should be used to differentiate
associated with post collection
between different types of bins.
sorting. Some suggestions on using signage
effectively are given below: § Accessibility – place the bins in
areas that are easily accessible
§ Consistent bin colour – using a and are efficient to use. Make
consistent colour and bin shape garbage bins and “organics
Effective
signage will
will increase the effectiveness of only” bins equally accessible so
reduce the collection bins. as not to increase the amount of
contamination
of my work staff need to do in order to
§ Consistent bin labels – bin labels
feedstock. place materials in the correct
must also be consistent. Use
bin.
standard designs as staff will
recognise the bin colours and § Inform clearly – use information
signs to clearly communicate
which items go in which bins.
Figure 2. Example signage for a small hotel based on an audit of organics produced
on-site. Identifying key general waste items for landfill disposal will educate staff
§ Location – try to locate the
and minimise contamination levels for collection of residual organics.
“organics only” bins adjacent to
a general garbage bin, other wise
mixed materials are likely to go
into both.
Garbage
§ Ensure the different bins are
equally user friendly/efficient –
large bones if the garbage bin has a lid that
(> 10-15 mm) needs to be removed and the
adjacent organics bin does not,
disposable styrofoam you can guarantee that more
cups and lids general rubbish (contamination)
will be disposed of in the
organics bin.
plastic packaging
material
plastic teaspoons
cling wrap
food soiled aluminium foil
general waste items
3 . . . . . . . . . . .
Generic signs § garbage.
A number of generic bin labels that Generic signs for bins are available
can be photocopied are included at from “Associate Labels” in Sydney.
the end of this Appendix.
Ph: (02) 9905 6522
It is recommended, however, that site
specific information signs be PO Box 238, Brookvale,
produced such as those given in the Sydney, 2100
example above. If this is not possible,
these generic signs may help. For other suppliers look under
“labels” in the Yellow Pages.
The signs provided are applicable to: Some generic
signs have
been provided
§ compostable organics below
however site
§ food organics; specific
signage tends
to be more
§ cardboard; effective.
§ paper and cardboard; and
Definitions*
Source separation Contamination (composting) Compost
Physical sorting of the waste stream into its Contaminants within this context include An organic product that has undergone
components at the point of generation. physical inorganic materials (metals, glass controlled aerobic and thermophilic biological
etc.), non-biodegradable organic materials transformation to achieve pasteurisation and a
Compostable organics (plastics), chemical compounds and/or specified level of maturity. Compost is
Compostable organics is a generic term for all biological agents that can have a detrimental suitable for the use as soil conditioner or
organic materials that are appropriate for impact on the quality of any recycled organic mulch and can improve soil structure, water
collection and use as feedstocks for products manufactured from source separated retention, aeration, erosion control, and other
composting or in related biological treatment compostable organic materials. soil properties.
Compostable organics is defined by its Bulking agent Vermicast
material components: residual food organics; An ingredient in a mixture of composting raw Solid organic material resulting from the
garden organics; wood and timber; biosolids, materials included to improve the structure and biological transformation of compostable
and agricultural organics. porosity of the mix. Bulking agents are usually organic materials in a controlled vermiculture
rigid and dry and often have large particles process.
Composting (for example, straw or wood chips). The terms
The process whereby organic materials are “bulking agent” and “amendment” are often Food organics
pasteurised and microbially transferred under used interchangeably. See also composting The Food Organics material description is
aerobic and thermophilic conditions for a amendment. defined by its component materials, which
period of not less than six weeks. By include: fruit and vegetable material; meat and
definition, it is a process that must by carried Feedstock poultry; fats and oils, seafood (including
out under controlled conditions yielding Organic materials used for composting or shellfish, excluding oyster shells); recalcitrants
mature products that do not contain any weed related biological treatment systems. Different (large bones >15mm diameter, oyster shells,
seeds or pathogens. feedstocks have different nutrient coconut shells etc.); dairy (solid and liquid);
concentrations, moisture, structure and bread, pastries and flours (including rice and
Vermiculture contamination levels (physical, chemical and corn flours); food soiled paper products (hand
System of stabilising organic materials under biological). towels, butter wrap etc.); and biodegradeables
controlled conditions by specific worm species (cutlery, bags, polymers). Such materials may
and microorganisms under mesophilic be derived from domestic or commercial and
temperatures. Commercial vermiculture industrial sources. The definition does not
systems include: windrows or beds; stackable include grease trap waste. Food organics is one
trays; batch-flow containers, and continuous of the primary components of the compostable
flow containers. organics stream.
*Recycled Organics Unit (2001)
4 . . . . . . . . . . .
=
Notes:

§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001). Recycled Organics Industry Dictionary & Thesaurus: Amanda Ferris, Dr Mark Jackson & Angus
standard terminology for the NSW recycled organics industry. 2nd Edition. Internet Campbell
publication: http://www.rolibrary.com Recycled Organics Unit
Building B11b
Acknowledgement UNSW Sydney 2052
the development of this Best Practice Guideline. Internet: http://www.recycledorganics.com

its use.
14 . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix No. 4
Research Case Studies – Vermiculture
processing of compostable organics
=
Appendix No. 4 Vermiculture processing of Food organics is defined by its

January 2002 compostable organics component materials as detailed in
the following table:
The Recycled Organics Unit has
Inside This Appendix conducted a series of research
projects on the processing of organic Material Detail
materials using vermiculture Fruit and vegetable
1 Vermiculture processing of
compostable organics
technology. material
Bread, pastries and
flours
Including rice and
corn flours
The purpose of the research was to Meat and poultry
Fats and oils
2 Research case study 1 –

Feedstock acceptance trial
determine what categories of organic
materials are capable of being
processed via in-vessel vermiculture
Seafood Including
shellfish,
excluding oyster
shells
Research case study 2 – technology, and to quantify the
5 Bench-scale vermiculture
trial
sustainable processing capacity of
vermiculture technology for these
Food soiled paper
products
Biodegradeables
Hand towels,
butter wrap etc.
Cutlery, bags,
polymers
materials (Recycled Organics Unit, Dairy Solid and liquid
9 Definitions 2000). Recalcitrants Large bones,

oyster shell,
coconut shells etc.
This research program involved a
Important References literature review that provided
information for the subsequent These types of materials tend to
analytical trials. The vermiculture dominate the metropolitan solid
units used in the trials were waste stream. Food organics in
Acknowledgements particular tend to dominate the
designed to closely simulate
conditions experienced in vertical commercial and industrial sector
loading, continuous-flow in-vessel waste stream, and the diversion of
vermiculture units. this material to processing for
beneficial land applications offers a
A number of reports have range of environmental benefits.
documented the feasibility of using
vermiculture technology for the The case studies of trials performed
treatment of compostable organics by the Recycled Organics Unit
material. However, extremely limited detailed in this Appendix include:
quantitative information has been
1. Feedstock acceptance trial
available on the processing of food
organics. 2. Bench-scale vermiculture trial
The research performed by the
Recycled Organics Unit primarily
focussed on the vermiculture These Research
Case Studies
processing of food organics, and to a provide valuable
lesser extent, on complementary information on
the types and
materials including cardboard, lawn quantities of
clippings and non-woody garden material that can
 Recycled Organics Unit be processed by
organics.
vermiculture
ISBN 1-876850-04-3 technology.

Research Case Study 1
“Fruit, vegetables and lawn
Feedstock acceptance trial
clippings, when mixed with
a cardboard bulking agent,
can be successfully treated Introduction development of anaerobic
in vermiculture units” conditions. This can lead to problems
The potential for in-vessel such as odour production, worm
vermiculture units to process organic death and even total system failure.
materials produced by the C&I sector
Feedstocks (eg. food organics) has received little The addition of a carbonaceous
Fruit, vegetables, lawn clippings, attention in comparison to treatment bulking agent that is readily available
garden organics, mixed food of agricultural organics and to most C&I sector businesses – such
organics, pastry, bread, meat/poultry, biosolids. as cardboard – to these organic
seafood and dairy products. materials results in a more suitable
A number of studies have feedstock for vermiculture
Vermiculture unit size
documented the processing of mixed processing. This cardboard
3 L plastic vessels with lid. 12 mm
mesh (square holes) separated unit
streams of organic materials amendment improves the porosity,
into bedding layer, intermediate comprising vegetables, fruit, manure absorbs excess moisture and
feeding layer and surface applied and garden organics however no moderates the nutrient content of the
feedstock layer. credible quantitative data has been organic materials so that they are
Internal view: available on the treatment of food more effectively processed using
organics using vermiculture vermiculture technology.
technology.
Perforated lid
Objective
Examples of compostable organic
Feedstock layer materials produced by the C&I sector The objective of this trial was to
include bread/pastry from bakeries; evaluate the ability of vermiculture to
vegetables/fruit from supermarkets; process a range of monostream
Intermediate layer organic materials that are typically
garden organics from landscaping
and gardening businesses; and produced by C&I sector enterprises
Bedding layer meat/poultry, seafood and dairy over a fifteen day period.
products from specialised retail
outlets or food processing operations. The addition of a shredded cardboard
Worm stock bulking agent to problematic
Approximately 40 mature Tiger The processing of organic materials materials containing excess nutrients
worms (Eisenia spp.) per unit. from the C&I sector represents a and moisture was also evaluated.
significant challenge to vermiculture
Time period technologies as unamended, these Materials and methods
15 days. materials tend to have an
inappropriate moisture and nutrient A total of thirteen monostreams of
Successful feedstocks content for vermiculture processing. organic materials were evaluated for
Mixed fruit + cardboard, mixed acceptability by a worm population.
vegetables + cardboard, lawn Excess nutrients, water and a lack of Nine of these materials were also
clippings + cardboard, garden air filled porosity can result in rapid blended with a cardboard bulking
organics. agent giving a total of twenty two
microbial growth and the
Plate 1. Small-scale vermiculture vessels used in the feedstock acceptance trial

(left) and garden organics treatment (right).
2 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 1. Feedstocks used in feedstock acceptance trial and the major components feedstock were unsuitable for
of each. habitation.
Approximately 40 mature Tiger

Feedstock Component
worms (Eisenia spp.) were
Mixed fruit* Watermelon, honeydew, rockmelon, orange, pineapple, subsequently inoculated into each
plum, peach, banana and apple. vessel. Wire mesh, with holes large
Mixed Pumpkin, parsnip, shallot, bean sprout, tomato, onion, enough to support worm movement,
vegetables* capsicum, lettuce, cabbage, carrot, corn, celery and divided each unit into three distinct
avocado. layers. This partitioning was
Mixed food Mixed vegetables, mixed fruit, bread, pastry and performed to aid in determining the
organics* meat/poultry. spatial distribution of worm stock
Meat/poultry* Blood, bone, mice, fat, beef, lamb and chicken. after the fifteen day period.
Seafood* Assorted whole fish and carcasses.
The location of the worms was
Pastry* Croissants, danishes, baklava and biscuits. assessed four times over the fifteen
Bread* Multi-grain bread, whole-grain bread and white rolls. day period.
Lawn clippings* Lawn clippings.
Each feedstock treatment was
Mulched garden Various non-woody plant species. replicated three times and vessels
organics
were randomly ordered and
Dairy products* Yoghurt, shredded cheese, butter and cream. positioned on benches under constant
Paper Shredded office paper. lighting and temperature conditions
Cardboard Plain corrugated cardboard. (20 oC).
* These feedstocks were also blended with a shredded cardboard bulking agent (to achieve a
C:N ratio of ~20:1) to form an additional nine feedstocks.
Results
The feedstocks that were found to be

feedstocks (Table 1). products and lawn clippings. readily processed using vermiculture
are shown in Table 2. These
A control feedstock consisting of Three litres of mature and stable successful treatments include: mixed
vermicast was also used for vermicast were loaded into clean 3 L fruit + cardboard; mixed vegetables +
comparative purposes. Shredded plastic vessels used to simulate the cardboard; lawn clippings +
paper and cardboard were evaluated vermiculture process (Plate 1). A cardboard; and garden organics.
for their suitability as bulking agents. layer of bedding on the bottom of the
All feedstocks shown in Table 1 were vessel was employed to simulate the The organic material to cardboard
size-reduced using a 6.5 hp garden- bedding layer present in all in-vessel mixing ratio is also shown in Table 2.
type shredder to a particle size of vermiculture units. The bedding layer Note that due to the high nitrogen
20 mm with the exception of dairy provided a habitat for the worm content of seafood, meat/poultry and
population when conditions in the dairy, a significant quantity of
Table 2. Monostream organics that can and cannot be readily processed in vermiculture units, as determined by the
feedstock acceptance trial.
Feedstock Treatable in vermiculture unit Organics to cardboard

Without cardboard With cardboard mixing ratio (w/w)
Fruit no yes 21:1
Vegetables marginal yes 21:1
Lawn clippings no yes 21:1
Garden organics1 - yes -
Mixed food organics2 no no 22:1
Pastry no no 3:1
Bread no no 3:1
Meat/poultry no no 0.9:1
Seafood no no 1:1
Dairy organics no no 2:1
1 2
Garden organic feedstock was not blended with a bulking agent. Mixed food organics comprised a mixture of meat, poultry, pastry,
bread, vegetables and fruit. 3 The ability of vermiculture units to treat feedstocks was determined by assessing the spatial distribution of
the worm stock in the bedding, feeding layer and in the surface applied feedstock over a period of 15 days.
3 . . . . . . . . . . . .
cardboard was required for blending to be acceptable. In addition to this Conclusions
with these raw feedstocks. spatial distribution of worms, if
significant worm mortality did not This study found that fruit,
The cardboard bulking agent is vegetables and lawn clippings, when
occur, the feedstock was considered
important as excessive nitrogen mixed with a cardboard bulking
to be acceptable.
levels in feedstock can result in agent, could be successfully applied
considerable ammonia production Feedstocks that were found to be as feedstocks in vermiculture units.
during microbial decomposition. unsuitable for worm consumption
Ammonia is highly toxic to worms included food organics + cardboard; Garden organics without a bulking
and hence a bulking agent is required meat/poultry; meat/poultry + agent amendment are also suitable
to dilute the nitrogen component to cardboard; seafood; seafood + for processing in vermiculture units.
form a feedstock suitable for cardboard; dairy; dairy + cardboard;
habitation by the worm population. Source
pastry; pastry + cardboard; bread;
and bread + cardboard. Recycled Organics Unit (2000)
The spatial distribution of the worm
population was determined and used These conclusions were drawn by Contact details
as an indication of the suitability of observing that significant worm
the feedstock for treatment in a mortality occurred in these Recycled Organics Unit
vermiculture unit (Figure 1). unacceptable feedstocks that did not Building B11b,
occur in the acceptable feedstocks or The University of New South Wales,
If a significant proportion of worms UNSW Sydney 2052
in the vermicast control. Also, that
were found to migrate out of the
considerable proportion of the worm
bedding layer and into the Internet:
population in these treatments
intermediate feeding zone or the http://www.recycledorganics.com
remained in the bedding layer.
feedstock layer over the fifteen day (report available on-line)
period, the feedstock was considered
Figure 1. Spatial distribution of worm stock in the small-scale vermiculture units that were found to be suitable
for worm consumption over a period of 15 days.
Bedding layer: Intermediate feeding zone: Surface applied feedstock:
Mixed fruit/cardboard Mixed vegetables/cardboard

120 120
(% of initial number at inoculation)
100 100
Mean number of worms
80 80
60 60
40 40
20 20
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Days after inoculation Days after inoculation
Lawn clippings/cardboard Garden organics

120 120
100 100
(% of initial at inoculation)
80 80
60 60
40 40
20 20
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Days after inoculation Days after inoculation
4 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research Case Study 2
“Monitoring of worm activity,
Bench-scale vermiculture trial
feedstock accumulation,
oxygen concentration and
unit temperature is needed Introduction by the bench-scale trial.
to ensure the continuous
successful operation of a The bench-scale vermiculture trial Objective
vermiculture unit” assessed the feasibility of treating a
range of monostream organics The objective of this trial was to
produced by the C&I sector in determine the rate at which the
Feedstocks bench-scale, vertical loading organic feedstocks, determined as
Fruit + cardboard, vegetables + suitable feedstocks (Case study 1),
cardboard, mixed food organics + vermiculture units.
cardboard, pastry/bread + cardboard,
can be added to vermiculture units
lawn clippings/garden organics, This trial was designed to simulate for processing.
meat/poultry + cardboard. conditions likely to be experienced
in mid-scale vermiculture processing This rate is termed the maximum
Vermiculture unit size loading rate and is expressed as the
by C&I sector organisations.
84 L plastic rectangular containers amount of material that can be
(0.35 × 0.53 × 0.45 m). Surface
2
feeding area of 0.19 m and The feedstock acceptance trial applied per square metre of bedding
maximum depth of 0.45 m. (Research case study 1) examined surface per week (kg/m2/wk).
Perforated floor with sliding grate to the organic materials that are
allow harvesting of vermicast. suitable for processing in The quality of the final vermicast
Internal view: product was also assessed.
vermiculture units and this trial
continued by determining the
Materials and methods
maximum loading rate for these
Feedstock layer suitable feedstocks. A total of six feedstocks were
investigated in this trial (shown in
The maximum loading rate was
Worm population Table 3). The trial occurred over a
determined by monitoring a number
period of ten weeks.
Bedding material of environmental variables that
impact on system performance, such Feedstocks were size reduced to a
Sliding
as bed temperature, pH, electrical particle size of less than 20 mm and
mechanism conductivity and oxygen blended, with the exception of the
Perforated floor concentration. lawn clippings/garden organics
Worm stock feedstock, with shredded cardboard
1.9 kg of Tiger worms (Eisenia spp.) The feedstocks examined in this trial
to achieve a C:N ratio of
per unit. included those that were considered
approximately 20:1.
successful in the feedstock
Time period
acceptance trial. Mixed food Moisture was also added to some
10 weeks.
organics, pastry, bread and feedstocks to achieve a suitable
Successful treatments meat/poultry, although considered moisture content (80-90% w/w) as
Fruit + cardboard, vegetables + difficult to process in the feedstock
cardboard, food organics +
determined by the ‘fist test’.
acceptance trial, were also evaluated
cardboard, pastry/ bread +
cardboard, lawn clippings/garden Vertical-loading, continuous-flow
organics.
Plate 2. Bench-scale vermiculture units used in the trial (left) showing the
perforated bottom and sliding mechanism (right).
5 . . . . . . . . . . . .
vermiculture units (Plate 2) were applied at 5, 10 and 15 Lm2 (per The successful treatments included
used in this trial that were application) for light, moderate and fruit + cardboard, vegetables +
considerably larger than the small- heavy rates respectively. cardboard, mixed food organics +
scale units used in the feedstock cardboard, and bread/pastry +
acceptance trial (Research case study Each feedstock treatment was cardboard at the light application rate
1). The bench-scale units consisted of replicated three times, randomised for each. The lawn clippings/garden
a loading volume of 84 L. The units and incubated under standard organics treatments survived at all
were rectangular with a surface laboratory conditions. application rates.
feeding area of 0.19 m2 and a
A comprehensive monitoring regime Although the mixed food organics
maximum depth of 0.45 m.
was employed to assess the feedstock was found to be
The vermiculture units also featured performance of the vermiculture unsuccessful as a feedstock in the
a perforated floor with a sliding grate units under the various feedstock feedstock acceptance trial (Research
mechanism to assist in the harvesting rates. case study 1), this feedstock could be
of the vermicast product. processed in this trial at a much
The following parameters were
lower rate. Mixed food organics is an
Feedstocks were applied three times monitored: ambient room
important feedstock for treatment by
per week (Monday, Wednesday and temperature; bed temperature; bed
vermiculture units as it represents a
Friday) at three loading rates: light, oxygen concentration; worm activity;
residual organic stream that would be
moderate and high. accumulation of feedstock; bed pH
common to C&I sector organisations.
and electrical conductivity.
For feedstocks that were found to be Unsuccessful treatments included the
readily treatable in the feedstock At the completion of the trial, the
meat/poultry + cardboard treatment
acceptance trial (Research case study final vermicast product was assessed
at all application rates and the
1), materials not containing meat, for quality and the worm biomass
moderate and heavy rates for fruit +
dairy or yeast-based products, these was removed and weighed (Plate 3).
cardboard, vegetables + cardboard,
loading rates were 10, 17.5 and mixed food organics + cardboard and
Results
25 L/m2 (per application) for light, bread/pastry + cardboard.
moderate and heavy rates The maximum processing capacities
respectively. (kgm2/wk) for the successful Treatment failure was indicated by
feedstocks, shown in Table 4, were observing and monitoring a number
Feedstocks that were found to be of parameters. The hierarchy for this
found to be at the lower end of the
difficult to treat, meat/poultry, determination of treatment failure
range of loading rates applied.
pastry/bread and food organics, were was: worm activity; quantity of
Table 3. Feedstocks used in the bench-scale vermiculture trial, including the major components of each and the addition of a
bulking agent and moisture.
Organics to
Bulking agent Moisture
Feedstock Component cardboard mixing
added added
ratio (w/w)
Apple, watermelon, rockmelon, orange, grape,
Mixed fruit pear, nashi, persimmon, nectarine, plum, yes no 21:1
pineapple, peach, paw paw, banana, mandarine.
Cabbage, lettuce, tomato, carrot, corn, pumpkin,
Mixed vegetables capsicum, shallot, bean sprout, celery, onion, yes no 21:1
endive, bok choy.
Mixed food Mixed vegetables, mixed fruit, bread/pastry and
yes no 22:1
organics meat/poultry.
Croissants, muffin, danish, baklava, sweet buns,
Bread/pastry white/multigrain/wholemeal/rye/sourdough yes yes 3.4:1
loaves and rolls.
Meat/poultry Blood, bone, mice, fat, beef, lamb and chicken. yes yes 0.9:1
Lawn clippings
Non-woody plant materials (leaves, stems and
and mulched no yes -
twigs of various plant species), lawn clippings.
garden organics
6 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4. Loading rates for feedstocks used in the bench-scale vermiculture trial and the survival of each feedstock based on
performance indicators.
Loading rate
Feedstock Per application Per week Surviving treatment
Class
(L/m2) 2
(kg/m /wk)
Light 10 24.79 yes
Fruit + cardboard Moderate 17.5 43.37 no
Heavy 25 61.97 no
Light 10 24.07 yes
Vegetables + cardboard Moderate 17.5 42.11 no
Heavy 25 60.16 no
Light 5 9.95 yes
Mixed food organics +
Moderate 10 19.89 no
cardboard
Heavy 15 29.84 no
Light 5 4.74 yes
Bread/pastry + cardboard Moderate 10 9.47 no
Heavy 15 14.21 no
Light 5 4.09 no
Meat/poultry + cardboard Moderate 10 8.18 no
Heavy 15 12.27 no
Light 10 5.75 yes
Lawn clippings and mulched
Moderate 17.5 10.06 yes
garden organics
Heavy 25 14.37 yes
unprocessed feedstock and to improve soil conditions and manure as the primary food source.
chemical/environmental monitoring increase plant growth.
data. The high presence of E. coli within
Microbiological tests, however, the final vermicast product would
Observations of worm activity were indicated that all vermicast contained result in the product failing the
found to be very important for high levels of the faecal organism Australian Standard for composts,
determining when a vermiculture unit E. coli, even in units that were loaded soils conditioners and mulches (AS
was approaching failure. with feedstocks not containing this 4454, 1999). Restrictions would
organism (eg. garden organics/lawn consequently apply on the use of this
The nutrient content of the final clippings). This presence may have end product.
vermicast product from the various occurred as the initial vermicast
treatments was high indicating that bedding was produced using pig The worm biomass for each
the vermicast product could be used treatment was determined at the
Plate 3. Separation of worms and vermicast using a trommel screen to determine the worm biomass at the completion of the trial.
The worms and vermicast are fed into the trommel screen (left) which rotates (centre) and separates the worms from the
vermicast (right).
7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
completion of the trial and indicated highly dependent on the size and monitored, in conjunction with worm
whether an increase or decrease in activity of the worm population. The activity and the depth of unprocessed
the worm population had occurred. worm biomass required at feedstock, to determine the on-going
All treatments exhibited an increase inoculation for a successful unit is performance of vermiculture units
in worm biomass with the exception also shown in Table 5. fed with specific quantities of
of the lawn clippings/garden organics feedstock.
treatment (all loading rates) and the Conclusions
meat/poultry + cardboard treatment A monitoring hierarchy was
The bench-scale vermiculture trial developed that proved valuable for
(light loading rate).
examined the feasibility of treating assessing system performance. This
Processing capacity was determined six monostream organic materials at hierarchy was: observing worm
for each treatment that represented various loading rates with Tiger activity; feedstock accumulation;
the maximum gross mass of a worms (Eisenia spp.) in bench-scale oxygen concentration and unit
feedstock (kg) that can be applied per vermiculture units under controlled temperature.
unit area (m2) per unit time to a laboratory conditions. The maximum
vermiculture unit under managed processing capacities (kg/m2/wk) The microbiological quality of the
environmental conditions. were determined by monitoring vermicast produced by the successful
worm biomass and key treatments was not high, possibly
Processing capacity usually varies environmental variables. because the vermicast was not
with environmental conditions, allowed the opportunity to undergo
loading rates (including feedstock Five of the six feedstocks were further stabilisation after harvesting.
variables) and carrying capacity successfully treated in vermiculture
(including worm species employed). units. Each of these were the light Source
loading rates for fruit + cardboard,
The maximum processing capacity vegetables + cardboard, mixed food Recycled Organics Unit (2000)
for the C&I sector organics that were organics + cardboard, pastry/bread +
Contact details
found to be treatable in vermiculture cardboard and lawn clippings/garden
units from this trial are summarised organics. Recycled Organics Unit
in Table 5. Note that these successful Building B11b,
loading rates are much lower than Processing capacities and worm The University of New South Wales,
expected. biomass carrying capacities were UNSW Sydney 2052
determined for each of these
The maximum processing capacities treatments. Maximum processing Internet:
for the feedstocks are supported by capacities ranged from http://www.recycledorganics.com
extensive chemical and 4.7 kg/m2/wk for pastry/bread + (report available on-line)
environmental data in the form of cardboard mixes to 24.8 kg/m2/wk
bed temperatures, oxygen for fruit + cardboard mixes.
concentrations, pH and electrical
conductivity measurements. Oxygen, temperature, pH, and
electrical conductivity levels present
The processing capacity is also in the bedding material were all
Table 5. Maximum recorded processing capacities for the five successful feedstocks in the bench-scale vermiculture trial,
detailing the processing capacity of blended feedstock material, the proportion of raw feedstock material and the quantity of
worm biomass required to inoculate a vermiculture unit to treat these feedstocks.
Worm biomass required Maximum processing Maximum processing

at inoculation to capacity including capacity (kg raw
Successful feedstock
maximise processing cardboard (kg blended feedstock material
capacity (kg/m2) material /m2 /wk) /m2 /wk)
Fruit + cardboard 18.5 24.79 23.66
Vegetables + cardboard 12.3 24.07 22.98
Mixed food organics + cardboard 16.3 9.95 9.52
Pastry/bread + cardboard 13.0 4.74 2.24
Lawn clippings/garden organics 6.2 5.75 5.75
8 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Definitions*
Processing capacity Food organics Garden organics
The maximum amount (mass or volume) of The Food Organics material description is The Garden Organics material description is
feedstock that can be added to a processing defined by its component materials, which defined by its component materials including:
technology (e.g. composting technology) per include: fruit and vegetable material; meat and putrescible garden organics (grass clippings);
unit time (e.g. per week) without causing poultry; fats and oils, seafood (including non-woody garden organics; woody garden
system failure. System failure is evident when shellfish, excluding oyster shells); recalcitrants organics; trees and limbs; stumps and
the processing technology produces (large bones >15mm diameter, oyster shells, rootballs. Such materials may be derived from
problematic environmental emissions and/or coconut shells etc.); dairy (solid and liquid); domestic, Construction and Demolition and
declines in processing efficiency and/or bread, pastries and flours (including rice and Commercial and Industrial sources. Garden
produces product of unacceptable quality. corn flours); food soiled paper products (hand Organics is one of the primary components of
towels, butter wrap etc.); and biodegradeables the compostable organics stream.
In-vessel (cutlery, bags, polymers). Such materials may
A containerised unit in which vermiculture, be derived from domestic or commercial and Anaerobic
compost or anaerobic digestion-based industrial sources. The definition does not In the absence of oxygen, or not requiring
processes are performed. Containers vary in include grease trap waste. Food organics is one oxygen.
size, configuration, degree of automation and of the primary components of the compostable
level of process control. In-vessel systems are organics stream. Bulking agent
often used for treatment of putrescible An ingredient in a mixture of composting raw
organics in populated areas as they have Agricultural organics materials included to improve the structure and
minimal or no significant impact on the Any residual organic materials produced as porosity of the mix. Bulking agents are usually
environment (eg. through the generation of by-products of agricultural and forestry rigid and dry and often have large particles
odour, leachate or attraction of pests or operations, including: weeds (woody and non- (for example, straw or wood chips). The terms
vermin). woody); animals (processing residuals, stock “bulking agent” and “amendment” are often
mortalities, pests), crop residuals (woody and used interchangeably. See also composting
Compostable organics non-woody), and manures. amendment.
Compostable organics is a generic term for all
organic materials that are appropriate for Biosolids Feedstock
collection and use as feedstocks for Organic solids or semi-solids produced by Organic materials used for composting or
composting or in related biological treatment municipal sewage treatment processes. Solids related biological treatment systems. Different
systems (e.g. anaerobic digestion). become biosolids when they come out of an feedstocks have different nutrient
Compostable organics is defined by its anaerobic digester or other treatment process concentrations, moisture, structure and
material components: residual food organics; and can be beneficially used. Until such solids contamination levels (physical, chemical and
garden organics; wood and timber; biosolids, are suitable for beneficial use they are defined biological).
and agricultural organics. as waste-water solids. The solids content in
biosolids should be equal to or greater than Carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio
0.5% weight by volume (w/v). Biosolids are The ratio of the weight of organic carbon (C)
commonly co-composted with garden organics to that of total nitrogen (N) in an organic
and/or residual wood and timber to produce a material.
range of recycled organics products.
*Recycled Organics Unit (2001)

§ Recycled Organics Unit (2000) Processing of Commercial and Industrial Organics in Amanda Ferris, Dr Mark Jackson & Angus
Vermiculture Systems. Report for Southern Sydney Waste Board, October 2000. Campbell
§ Recycled Organics Unit (2001) Recycled Organics Industry Dictionary & Thesaurus: Building B11b
standard terminology for the NSW recycled organics industry. 2nd Edition. Internet The University of New South Wales
publication: http://www.rolibrary.com UNSW Sydney 2052
§ Standards Australia (1999) AS 4454 – Composts, soil conditioners and mulches.
Standards Australia, Homebush, NSW. Internet: www.recycledorganics.com
Acknowledgement Whilst all care is taken in the preparation of

The Recycled Organics Unit would like to thank Southern Sydney Waste Board for funding error loss or other consequence which may arise from
the development of this Best Practice Guideline. its use.
9 . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Best Practice Guideline

Copyright  Recycled Organics Unit 2002.

The Recycled Organics Unit (ROU) has been

This document is and shall remain the property of

Authors: Amanda Ferris, Dr Mark Jackson and Angus

National Library of Australia

Printed by Recycled Organics Unit, The University of

Quality assurance : Document history

Efficient management and monitoring of vermiculture units is necessary to maintain an effective

Amanda Ferris, Mark Jackson and Angus Campbell

Recycled Organics Unit

The University of New South Wales.

Sydney, January 2002.

The ROU is the NSW centre for organic resource management,

Introduction to establishing and managing an on-site vermiculture

• Information Sheet No. 2: How much compostable material is produced?

• Information Sheet No. 3: Can vermiculture work for you?

Guide to feedstock preparation and determining what size

• Information Sheet No. 5: Guide to installing a vermiculture unit.

• Information Sheet No. 6: Management and maintenance of a vermiculture unit.

• Information Sheet No. 7: Guide to using the vermicast product.

• Appendix No. 1: Ancillary equipment requirements.

• Appendix No. 2: Vermicast product standard.

• Appendix No. 3: Signage.

Research Case Studies – Vermiculture processing of compostable

The ROU is the NSW centre for organic resource management,

• commercial and industrial sector organisations;

• vermiculture industry consultants;

• commercial and industrial sector consultants;

• prospective RO processors; and

• local council waste management officers.

4. How to cite this publication

The ROU is the NSW centre for organic resource management,

Information Sheet No. 1 What is vermiculture? vermiculture for on-site treatment of

1 What is vermiculture? Compostable organic materials, such

 Recycled Organics Unit

The ROU is the NSW centre for organic resource management,

Information Sheet No. 3 – Can vermiculture work for you?

Vermiculture Information Sheet No. 5 – Guide to installing a vermiculture unit.

Maintenance and Information Sheet No. 6 – Management and maintenance of a

Harvesting of Information Sheet No. 6 – Management and maintenance of a

Information Sheet No. 7 – Guide to using the vermicast product.

Finished vermicast and leachate Continued page 4

Plate 2. Commercially available continuous flow vermiculture units.

Vermi-Converter 2000 – Vital Earth

These factors are important for

Materials that cannot be

Materials that are very high in

Information How much compostable

Information Can vermiculture work for

Guide to feedstock preparation

Information Guide to installing a

Information Management and maintenance

Important references Produced by

Implementation Rather than conducting an unpleasant

8 Garden organics waste audit involves the physical

11 Paper and cardboard

12 across the annual

ã Recycled Organics Unit

The ROU is the NSW centre for organic resource management,

Garden organics can be processed on Paper and cardboard can be used as

3. Design separate organics

§ Use the bottom of a bucket to § stainless steel cutlery, foil and